Washington, August 30, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders has urged Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign as the United States health secretary, warning that his leadership is jeopardizing public health nationwide.
Senator’s Criticism of Kennedy
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Sanders accused Kennedy of compromising the health of Americans and declared that he should step down immediately. The senator criticized the Trump administration’s slogan “Make America Healthy Again,” arguing that Kennedy’s actions have directly contradicted this goal by undermining scientific guidance and public health policy.
Sanders cited the recent firing of CDC director Susan Monarez and the resignations of four other top CDC officials in protest of Kennedy’s controversial decisions. He condemned Kennedy’s persistent anti-vaccine stance and his promotion of ideas dismissed by the scientific community.
Concerns Over Vaccination
The senator highlighted Kennedy’s repeated claims that vaccines are unsafe and ineffective, noting that the experts he references have been discredited or had their research retracted. Sanders warned that Kennedy has long profited from fostering vaccine distrust and is now using his position at HHS to spread misinformation and undermine evidence-based public health practices.
He cautioned that Kennedy’s actions could threaten childhood immunization programs, increasing the risk of outbreaks of diseases such as measles, polio, and chickenpox, which were previously well controlled.
Impact on Healthcare Access
Sanders pointed out that under Kennedy’s tenure, access to COVID-19 vaccines for younger populations has become more difficult, with higher costs and increased bureaucratic obstacles. He warned that continued anti-vaccine rhetoric could further restrict access to vital healthcare services and erode public trust.
Backlash from Professionals and Lawmakers
Kennedy’s policies have drawn criticism from both parties, particularly following budget cuts to the CDC and changes in its leadership. Over 750 current and former health officials signed a letter describing Kennedy as an “existential threat to public health,” accusing him of spreading false information and weakening the country’s health infrastructure.
Recent Incident Highlights Risks
Concerns over misinformation were underscored by a recent shooting at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, where a gunman, influenced by false vaccine claims, killed a police officer before committing suicide. The tragedy has intensified scrutiny over the real-world effects of spreading medical misinformation.
Despite mounting criticism, Kennedy continues to defend his positions, facing opposition from lawmakers, public health experts, and agency employees alike.
