The nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is not just alarming—it’s reckless. His long track record of spreading disinformation on vaccines, public health, reproductive health, and gender-affirming care makes clear that he is not guided by evidence-based science but by personal ideology and conspiracy theories that endanger all of our health and lives.

Throughout his testimony, RFK Jr. repeatedly claimed, “Show me the data and I’ll follow it,” only to dismiss or ignore well-established research on vaccine safety, reproductive health, and other public health measures. When questioned on vaccine efficacy, particularly for children, he deflected instead of engaging with decades of data that prove their safety. His refusal to recognize the science behind mifepristone and his opposition to gender-affirming care further confirm that his decisions are not rooted in evidence-based health care, but in a dangerous, politically and financially motivated agenda that benefits himself.

RFK Jr. also failed to commit to protecting Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act, despite the vital role these programs play in keeping millions of people—especially families with low-incomes—healthy. His echoing of long-standing disinformation campaigns weaken trust in public health and put communities at risk. His history of profiting from lawsuits against scientific institutions and amplifying falsehoods only underscores how unfit he is to lead the nation’s top health agency.

At a time when public health is already under attack—with rising cases of tuberculosis in Kansas and Georgia, and chronic underinvestment in state and local public health infrastructure—we need leadership that strengthens our health systems, not someone who undermines them. We need an HHS Secretary who will prioritize investment in public health, community-based organizations, and policies that ensure people have access to the care they need.

Congress has an obligation to reject this nomination and protect the public from disinformation, political interference, and dangerous policies that put communities at risk.

Learn more about Community Catalyst’s work to advance Community-First Public Health and vaccine equity.

If you would like to speak to someone at Community Catalyst, please contact Jack Cardinal at jcardinal@communitycatalyst.org.