Washington, August 30, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders has urged Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign from his role as U.S. health secretary, warning that his leadership poses a serious threat to public health.
Sanders Criticizes Kennedy’s Leadership
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Sanders stated that Kennedy’s actions endanger Americans’ health and called for his immediate resignation. He criticized the administration’s slogan, “Make America Healthy Again,” asserting that Kennedy’s policies have undermined scientific guidance and weakened the nation’s public health systems.
Sanders pointed to the recent dismissal of CDC director Susan Monarez and the resignations of four senior CDC officials who opposed Kennedy’s policies. He condemned Kennedy’s persistent anti-vaccine messaging and his promotion of theories widely rejected by medical experts.
Vaccine and Public Health Risks
The senator highlighted Kennedy’s repeated claims that vaccines are unsafe and ineffective, noting that several of the experts he cites have had their medical licenses revoked or studies retracted. Sanders warned that Kennedy has profited from spreading vaccine skepticism and is using his HHS position to erode trust in science and health guidance.
He cautioned that Kennedy’s approach could compromise childhood vaccination programs, putting children at risk for preventable illnesses such as measles, polio, and chickenpox.
Impact on Access to Healthcare
Sanders emphasized that Kennedy’s policies have already created obstacles for children and younger adults seeking COVID-19 vaccines, increasing costs and bureaucratic hurdles. He warned that continued anti-vaccine rhetoric could further limit access to critical healthcare services.
Bipartisan and Professional Opposition
Kennedy has faced criticism from both parties following CDC budget cuts and leadership changes. More than 750 current and former public health officials signed a letter labeling Kennedy an “existential threat to public health,” accusing him of spreading misinformation and undermining the country’s health infrastructure.
Recent Incident Highlights the Risks
The dangers of 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 incident has intensified concerns about the real-world consequences of health misinformation.
Despite mounting scrutiny from lawmakers, medical experts, and agency staff, Kennedy continues to defend his controversial positions, drawing widespread criticism and concern.
