Washington, August 30, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders has demanded that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. step down from his role as U.S. health secretary, warning that his leadership poses a serious threat to public health.
Sanders Criticizes Kennedy’s Policies
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Sanders accused Kennedy of putting Americans at risk, stating that he must resign immediately. While referencing the administration’s slogan, “Make America Healthy Again,” Sanders argued that both President Trump and Kennedy have undermined scientific guidance and public health measures since taking office.
Sanders cited the recent dismissal of CDC director Susan Monarez and the resignation of four other senior CDC officials, who reportedly opposed Kennedy’s policies and refused to act as a “rubber stamp” for decisions he promoted. He highlighted Kennedy’s ongoing anti-vaccine stance and his promotion of theories repeatedly debunked by medical experts.
Concerns Over Vaccine Misinformation
The senator criticized Kennedy for claiming that no vaccine is safe or effective, noting that some of the experts he cites have had their medical licenses revoked and studies retracted. Sanders wrote that Kennedy has built a career on spreading vaccine distrust and is now using his HHS position to challenge scientific consensus and undermine public health.
He warned that Kennedy’s actions could disrupt childhood vaccination programs, putting children at risk for diseases such as measles, polio, and chickenpox, which had been largely eradicated thanks to vaccines.
Impact on Healthcare Access
Sanders noted that the administration’s policies have already limited access to COVID-19 vaccines for younger adults and children, increasing costs, bureaucracy, and difficulty in obtaining shots. He cautioned that Kennedy’s continued attacks on vaccines could worsen these challenges and further erode public confidence in healthcare.
Bipartisan and Public Backlash
The Trump administration has faced rare bipartisan criticism over Kennedy’s actions, including his dismissal of Monarez and budget cuts affecting the CDC. More than 750 current and former health agency employees signed a letter describing Kennedy as an “existential threat to public health,” accusing him of spreading misinformation and undermining America’s health infrastructure.
Recent Tragic Incident Highlights Risks
The debate over misinformation intensified after a gunman, influenced by false beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines, attacked CDC headquarters in Atlanta, killing a police officer before taking his own life. The incident has underscored the dangers of widespread medical misinformation.
Despite mounting scrutiny and public pressure, Kennedy has continued to defend his controversial positions, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers, public health experts, and agency staff across the country.
