Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his vocal skepticism of vaccines, took a more measured stance on the issue during a recent House committee hearing, choosing not to share his personal opinions and instead deferring to medical experts at the NIH and CDC.
In his testimony, Kennedy defended the Trump administration’s proposed budget cuts to the department, which include laying off around 10,000 workers and consolidating various health agencies. He faced tough questioning from Democrats about the potential negative effects of these cuts, such as the dismantling of programs like the CDC’s lead poisoning prevention initiative and the impact on cancer clinical trials at NIH.
Kennedy also faced criticism for his past remarks on vaccines. When asked if he would vaccinate his children for measles, he said “probably,” but clarified that his views on vaccines were “irrelevant” and that people should seek guidance from experts. His comments came as a shift from his previous stance on vaccines, where he had expressed strong opinions on their potential risks. This drew criticism from public health experts, who argued that as a key health leader, giving proper medical guidance is a core part of his job. Despite the controversy, Kennedy maintained that the department’s core health programs were not being affected by the cuts, although some lawmakers voiced concerns over the potential loss of essential services due to the workforce reductions.
