RFK jr.’s HHS Tenure Deemed “Danger to Public Health” by Leading Association – Calls for Resignation Grow
Washington D.C. – Just weeks into his role as Secretary of the U.S.Department of Health and Human services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing mounting criticism, culminating in a stark statement from the American Public Health Association (APHA) labeling his leadership a “danger to the public’s health.” The APHA, a leading voice in public health advocacy, is calling for his resignation or removal from office.
The APHA’s statement,released on April 9th,2025,details a litany of concerns regarding Kennedy Jr.’s actions since assuming his position.these include drastic staff cuts at critical agencies like the CDC, FDA, and HRSA, a controversial reorganization of HHS, and a pattern of promoting misinformation regarding public health issues, particularly vaccines.”[Kennedy Jr.] demonstrated his incompetence in only a few weeks,” reads the statement from APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD. “Americans deserve better than someone who is trying to impose his unscientific and judgmental view of public health and science.”
Key Concerns Outlined by the APHA:
Massive Staff Reductions: Significant cuts to personnel at key health agencies, with Kennedy Jr. later acknowledging some firings were “thoughtless.”
vaccine Skepticism: Despite promising to be reassured by data, Kennedy Jr. continues to promote unsubstantiated claims and relies on flawed studies regarding vaccine safety.
Undermining Scientific Expertise: The forced resignation of Dr. Peter Marks, a leading FDA vaccine official instrumental in Operation warp Speed, signals a disregard for established scientific leadership.
Risky Public Health Recommendations: Promoting unscientific treatments like Vitamin A for measles, which has led to liver injuries in children.
Funding Cuts: A $11 billion reduction in funding for state and local public health initiatives, severely hindering the nation’s ability to respond to outbreaks like the current measles epidemic.
Anti-Vaccine appointments: Hiring individuals known for anti-vaccine views to lead studies on vaccine safety.
Halting Crucial Research: Stopping NIH research focused on preventing future epidemics.
questionable Conduct: Instances of unprofessional behavior, including publicly mocking a state governor.
* Attacks on Public Health Measures: Plans to halt CDC recommendations for community water fluoridation.The statement highlights a particularly damning quote from Dr. Marks’ resignation letter: “It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the secretary, but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.”
This strong rebuke from the APHA comes amidst growing scrutiny of Kennedy Jr.’s policies, including his proposed, and widely criticized, plan to require new placebo-controlled trials for updated vaccines and his ambitious, yet unrealistic, claims about solving autism within six months.
While former President Trump has yet to respond to the APHA’s call for action, the organization’s statement serves as a powerful
