Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Questioned About Role In 2019 Samoa Measles Epidemic

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated by President Donald Trump for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services, was questioned by US SenatorS Elizabeth Warren Ron Wyden about his role in the 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday. The outbreak, which resulted in dozens of deaths, was largely attributed to vaccine misinformation, a topic that Kennedy has been notably vocal about.

Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and the son of iconic American political figures Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, has long been a controversial figure in the health community. For years, he has promoted anti-vaccine rhetoric, including the widely debunked claim that vaccines cause autism. This has sparked alarm among public health experts, particularly given his potential leadership role in overseeing the U.S. health system.

In addition to his anti-vaccine stance, Kennedy has endorsed the consumption of raw milk, a practice that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns can carry serious health risks. His views have raised concerns globally, especially as his nomination to a key health position could have implications not only within the United States but internationally as well, as many countries rely on U.S. policies and guidance on health and safety issues.

Kennedy, who ran as an independent candidate in the 2024 U.S. presidential election before withdrawing and endorsing Trump, remains a polarising figure in global health debates.

Here he was questioned by Senator Ron Wyden about the same:

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In light of his comments made about Samoa's 2019 measles epidemic, Governor of Hawaii Josh Green joined CNN’s Erin Burnett to discuss Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s testimony during his confirmation hearing, saying "he's a liar"

Samoa Director General of Health Dr. Alec Ekeroma has also come out and said that Kennedy's comments "were a complete lie"