Washington, August 30, 2025 — Senator Bernie Sanders has called on health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to step down, accusing him of endangering the nation’s well-being through his anti-vaccine agenda and controversial leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Sanders’ Rebuke
In an op-ed for The New York Times, Sanders wrote that Kennedy is “endangering the health of the American people now and into the future” and must resign. While mocking the administration’s slogan of “Make America Healthy Again,” Sanders argued that since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, both the president and Kennedy have undermined science and public health instead of strengthening them.
The senator pointed to the recent firing of CDC director Susan Monarez and the resignation of four additional senior CDC officials, who reportedly left in protest over Kennedy’s “dangerous policies.” Sanders accused Kennedy of exploiting his position to continue his “longstanding crusade against vaccines” while promoting conspiracy theories rejected by the scientific community.
Criticism of Vaccine Stance
Sanders highlighted Kennedy’s repeated claims that no vaccine is safe or effective, citing his reliance on discredited experts whose research has been debunked or retracted. “The reality is that secretary Kennedy has profited from and built a career on sowing mistrust in vaccines,” Sanders wrote. “Now, as head of HHS, he is using his authority to launch a full-blown war on science, on public health and on truth itself.”
He warned that Kennedy’s rhetoric could undermine childhood vaccination programs, risking the return of diseases like measles, chickenpox, and polio, which had been largely eliminated in the U.S. due to immunization campaigns.
Impact on Public Health
According to Sanders, the Trump administration has already made it harder for many Americans to access Covid-19 vaccines, particularly younger adults and children, by raising bureaucratic barriers and costs. The senator warned that Kennedy’s next moves could further erode public trust and access to lifesaving treatments.
Growing Backlash
The controversy surrounding Kennedy’s leadership has sparked rare bipartisan criticism, following budget cuts at the CDC and accusations of political interference. Over 750 current and former U.S. health officials recently signed a letter condemning Kennedy as an “existential threat to public health.” The letter accused him of spreading misinformation and dismantling the nation’s health infrastructure.
Tragedy Intensifies Debate
Concerns over misinformation escalated earlier this month after a gunman, reportedly influenced by anti-vaccine conspiracies, opened fire at CDC headquarters in Atlanta. The attack left a police officer dead and ended with the shooter’s suicide. The incident has fueled debate over the impact of false medical claims on public safety.
Despite mounting pressure, Kennedy has shown no indication of stepping down, continuing to defend his controversial positions while facing pushback from lawmakers, health experts, and agency staff alike.
