Fact-checking RFK claims
Kennedy’s endorsements of the measles and polio vaccines during today’s confirmation hearing mask his years of skepticism about their safety and effectiveness.
Here are some medical claims made by RFK Jr. that are missing context or include falsehoods.
Kennedy claimed the CDC approved the COVID-19 vaccines without scientific basis, however, vaccines are among the most studied vaccines in history, with large clinical studies showing the health benefits far exceed any potential risks.
![](https://i.abcnewsfe.com/a/3fba6d40-387b-4962-868e-fa4178ea4f15/kennedy-hearing-19-rt-gmh-250129_1738169214078_hpMain.jpg)
Kennedy claimed he had nothing to do with the measles outbreak in American Samoa. Eighty-three people died during that outbreak. The nation's Ministry of Health cited Kennedy's visit and rhetoric as exacerbating vaccine hesitancy at a crucial moment.
The nominee claimed he 'probably" said Lyme disease is "highly likely a military-engineered bioweapon," however the disease is caused by a type of bacteria and spreads through the bite of blacklegged ticks.
Kennedy said he has never claimed pesticides lead children to become transgender, however, he has repeatedly pushed unfounded claims that environmental toxins, including those in drinking water, are linked to gender identity in children.
-ABC News' Will McDuffie, Youri Benadjaoud and Sony Salzman