Kennedy tells anti-vaccine activists they have a friend in Trump’s White House
Kennedy praised Trump for backing changes to childhood vaccine guidance and said the administration has asked questions millions of parents want answered.
- On Thursday, Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivered a keynote address at a Children's Health Defense conference at the Grand Hyatt Washington, his first public appearance at the group since becoming HHS secretary.
- Kennedy chaired the nonprofit until December 2024, earning a salary while helping file lawsuits targeting state vaccine policies. STAT describes the appearance as his first public embrace of the group since taking charge of HHS.
- The CDC reports 3,294 confirmed measles cases nationwide in 2026 as of September 10, exceeding the 2,289 cases recorded in 2025. Two doses of the vaccine remain 97% effective at preventing the virus.
- During his 2025 confirmation hearings, Kennedy promised not to discourage vaccination, yet an Axios preview noted a January overhaul cut recommended childhood vaccinations from 17 to 11.
- Parents should rely on their child's clinician and local health department guidance rather than conference remarks, confirming children are up to date on MMR while monitoring for formal policy changes.
90 Articles
90 Articles
‘Why Is He So Red?’: RFK Jr.’s Speech on Vaccines Takes a Wild Turn as an Aide Rushes to the Podium — Then the Crowd’s Erupts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., had a hard time delivering a recent speech as President Donald Trump’s handpicked Health and Human Services Secretary. Like his Republican […] ‘Why Is He So Red?’: RFK Jr.’s Speech on Vaccines Takes a Wild Turn as an Aide Rushes to the Podium, Then the Crowd’s Erupts
Anti-vaxxers have a friend in Trump admin, health secretary Kennedy says
By FATIMA HUSSEIN and MIKE STOBBE Associated Press
Kennedy assures vaccine skeptics that they have a ‘friend at the White House’
WASHINGTON — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Thursday told members of the anti-vaccine group he founded that they had “a strong and steadfast friend at the White House” and that he would “die with my boots on” pursuing answers about the risks of vaccines.
The measles outbreak that recently claimed four lives in Pennsylvania was mentioned only once by the US health secretary.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium































