Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Follow the latest Robert F. Kennedy Jr. news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
June 16, 2025 at 9:57 PM

RFK Jr. recently removed 17 people from a CDC vaccine panel. Now they're speaking out

The 17 members of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee, who were ousted last week, argued their abrupt dismissal has "left the U.S. vaccine program critically weakened."
June 16, 2025 at 9:57 PM
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services budget, on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 20, 2025.
June 12, 2025 at 2:53 PM

RFK Jr. appoints new members to CDC's vaccine advisory panel, including shot critics

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Wednesday eight new members of the CDC's independent vaccine advisory committee, some of whom have been critics of shots.
June 12, 2025 at 2:53 PM
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services budget, on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 20, 2025.
June 11, 2025 at 11:03 PM

RFK Jr. adds 8 new members to CDC independent vaccine committee

The announcement came after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed all 17 sitting members of the CDC’s independent vaccine advisory committee on Monday.
June 11, 2025 at 11:03 PM
VIDEO: RFK Jr. adds 8 new members to CDC independent vaccine committee
June 11, 2025 at 8:37 PM

What may be next for CDC vaccine committee after RFK Jr. removed all its members?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently removed all 17 sitting members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee. Who could be on the committee next and what changes may be coming?
June 11, 2025 at 8:37 PM
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services budget, on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 20, 2025.
June 11, 2025 at 6:47 PM

CDC employees protest after vaccine panel disbanding

Current and former CDC employees were protesting HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to fire all 17 experts from the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP).
June 11, 2025 at 6:47 PM
VIDEO: CDC employees walk out after vaccine panel disbanding
June 11, 2025 at 7:50 AM

CDC workers protest after RFK Jr. purges agency's vaccine panel

CDC workers protested outside the agency's headquarters after Health Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the CDC's independent advisory board for vaccines.
June 11, 2025 at 7:50 AM
VIDEO: CDC workers protest after RFK Jr. purges agency's vaccine panel
June 10, 2025 at 11:25 PM

CDC workers plan protest against removal of CDC’s vaccine advisory committee 

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Monday he is removing all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee.
June 10, 2025 at 11:25 PM
VIDEO: CDC workers plan walkout in protest of removal of CDC's vaccine advisory committee
June 10, 2025 at 6:46 PM

Fired CDC vaccine committee member on RFK Jr.'s decision to purge independent panel

Dr. Noel Brewer is a former voting member of CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and talks about his firing Monday after an announcement by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
June 10, 2025 at 6:46 PM
VIDEO: Fired CDC vaccine committee member on RFK Jr.'s decision to purge independent panel
June 10, 2025 at 5:25 PM

RFK Jr.’s removal of vaccine panel a ‘horrible thing’: Former CDC director

Dr. Richard Besser, CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, says Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s action decreases the ability of doctors to inform their patients.
June 10, 2025 at 5:25 PM
VIDEO: RFK Jr.’s removal of vaccine panel a ‘horrible thing’: Former CDC director
June 10, 2025 at 2:31 PM

RFK Jr. removes all members of CDC's vaccine advisory committee

The Health and Human Services secretary said replacing all 17 members of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee "is necessary to reestablish public confidence in vaccine science." 
June 10, 2025 at 2:31 PM
VIDEO:  RFK Jr. removes all members of CDC's vaccine advisory committee
June 10, 2025 at 2:08 PM

Why RFK Jr. says he terminated every member of CDC vaccine committee

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Monday he is removing all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee.
June 10, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on Capitol Hill on May 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.
June 9, 2025 at 9:40 PM

RFK Jr. says he is removing all 17 members of CDC's vaccine advisory committee

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Monday he is removing all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee.
June 9, 2025 at 9:40 PM
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Monday he is removing all 17 members of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine advisory committee.
June 6, 2025 at 1:07 PM

RFK Jr. says he's for 'freedom of choice' but has been limiting vaccines, food

Experts say Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has talked about "freedom of choice" in health care while limiting choices on some products for many Americans.
June 6, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. looks on before President Donald Trump speaks to guests from Truman Balcony of the White House during an event on the South Lawn on June 04, 2025 in Washington, DC.
June 4, 2025 at 6:27 PM

RFK Jr. to tell medical schools to teach nutrition or lose federal funding

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to tell medical schools they must offer nutrition courses to students or risk losing federal funding from the DHS.
June 4, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on Capitol Hill on May 20, 2025 in Washington, DC.
May 30, 2025 at 2:58 PM

RFK Jr.'s MAHA report cited nonexistent studies

Certain studies within the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" report do not exist as cited, ABC News has confirmed.
May 30, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Certain studies within the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" report do not exist as cited, ABC News has confirmed.
May 30, 2025 at 10:25 AM

RFK Jr.'s MAHA report cited nonexistent studies

Certain studies within the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" report do not exist as cited, ABC News has confirmed.
May 30, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks as Secretary of Education Linda McMahon listens during a Make America Healthy Again Commission event at the White House in Washington, May 22, 2025.
May 29, 2025 at 7:23 PM

Why healthy children may need vaccination amid new RFK Jr. COVID shot recommendations

Public health experts said healthy children also at risk of severe disease and death from COVID amid RFK Jr.'s announcement of new CDC COVID vaccine recommendations.
May 29, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., standing next to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary and National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya, seen in a post on X where he announced the removal of the COVID-19 vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women.
May 29, 2025 at 3:48 AM

Fmr. COVID response coordinator on RFK Jr.’s changes to vaccine schedule

ABC News’ Linsey Davis spoke with Dr. Deborah Birx about RFK Jr.’s changes to the CDC's immunization schedule that no longer recommends COVID shots for healthy children and pregnant women.
May 29, 2025 at 3:48 AM
VIDEO: Trump’s fmr. COVID response coordinator on RFK Jr.’s changes to vaccine schedule
May 28, 2025 at 1:12 AM

RFK Jr. cuts COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for healthy kids, pregnant women

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced the department will no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children and pregnant women.
May 28, 2025 at 1:12 AM
RFK Jr. cuts COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for healthy kids, pregnant women
May 27, 2025 at 4:57 PM

RFK Jr. cuts COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for healthy kids, pregnant women

ABC News' Dr. Darien Sutton discusses the move which could alter guidance for doctors as well as some insurance coverage.
May 27, 2025 at 4:57 PM
ABC News' Dr. Darien Sutton discusses the move which could alter guidance for doctors as well as some insurance coverage.
May 23, 2025 at 4:27 PM

FDA head defends RFK Jr’s MAHA report as a ‘diagnosis’

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary says the White House's Make America Healthy Again Commission’s report on chronic illnesses in children takes an “objective, scientific approach.”
May 23, 2025 at 4:27 PM
VIDEO: FDA head defends RFK Jr’s MAHA report as a ‘diagnosis’
May 23, 2025 at 2:07 PM

White House releases RFK Jr.-led report on chronic disease

ABC News’ Mary Bruce reports on the details of the report from the White House's Make America Healthy Again Commission.
May 23, 2025 at 2:07 PM
VIDEO:
May 22, 2025 at 9:11 PM

White House releases RFK Jr.-led report on chronic disease

RFK Jr.'s MAHA report blames chronic illnesses on ultra-processed foods, chemicals and sedentary behavior among children. It also says childhood vaccines need more study.
May 22, 2025 at 9:11 PM
President Donald Trump and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon listen as Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks at a Make America Healthy Again Commission event at the White House in Washington, May 22, 2025.
1 month ago

RFK Jr. grilled on Capitol Hill over health policies and vaccines

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. answered questions before a House committee on Wednesday, saying, "I don't think people should be taking medical advice from me."
1 month ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. grilled on Capitol Hill over health policies and vaccines
1 month ago

RFK Jr. says people should not take medical advice from him during House hearing

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to testify before two congressional committees on Wednesday.
1 month ago
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before a House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 14, 2025.
1 month ago

RFK Jr. says people shouldn't take medical advice from him

During a congressional hearing, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said people shouldn't be taking medical advice from him, and was grilled by both parties on topics including vaccines and DOGE cuts.
1 month ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. says people shouldn't take medical advice from him
1 month ago

RFK Jr. says people should not take medical advice from him during House hearing

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the massive cuts to the department's workforce and laid out his priorities for the Trump administration's proposed budget.
1 month ago
RFK Jr. says people should not take medical advice from him during House hearing
1 month ago

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. submerges in creek with high bacteria levels, including E. coli

RFK Jr. shared photos of himself swimming in Washington, D.C.'s, Rock Creek.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. submerges in creek with high bacteria levels, including E. coli
1 month ago

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. submerges in creek with high bacteria levels, including E. coli

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared photos of himself and his family at Washington, D.C.'s Rock Creek on Sunday.
1 month ago
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference about prescription drug prices at the White House on May 12, 2025, in Washington.
1 month ago

Trump picks Dr. Casey Means for US surgeon general. Here's what you need to know

Earlier this week, Trump announced his pick for U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Casey Means. Here's what we know about her background and where she stands on health issues.
1 month ago
Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer, attends a confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the Secretary of Health and Human Services post, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 29, 2025.
1 month ago

FDA approves, expands 3 natural food colors after HHS plan to remove artificial dyes

The FDA approved two natural food dyes and expanded approval of a third on Friday in line with HHS’ goal to eliminate artificial food dyes.
1 month ago
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration campus in Silver Spring, Md., is photographed on Oct. 14, 2015.
1 month ago

RFK Jr. warned that HHS cuts could hurt Indian Health Service

Senators sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warning him that cuts to the agency could severely impact the Indian Health Service.
1 month ago
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks while joining President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on May 05, 2025 in Washington, DC.
1 month ago

RFK Jr. unveils 'radical' change to vaccine testing

A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson called the move "a radical departure from past practices."
1 month ago
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference on the FDA's intent to phase out the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the nation's food supply, in Washington, April 22, 2025.
2 months ago

'Completely unprecedented': Trump officials are 'attacking' science, experts say

Doctors and public health specialists say they view the administration's actions, such as firings or questioning established research, as an "attack" on science.
2 months ago
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office at the White House on April 24, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
2 months ago

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary on RFK Jr.’s push to ban food dyes

ABC News’ Juju Chang speaks with Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary on the FDA’s plan to remove artificial dyes from food and mass layoffs under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
2 months ago
VIDEO: FDA Commissioner Marty Makary on RFK Jr.’s push to ban food dyes
2 months ago

RFK Jr. wants to phase out synthetic food dyes, alleging harm. Experts weigh in

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert. F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled a plan on Tuesday to start phasing out eight synthetic food dyes. Are they unsafe? Experts weigh in.
2 months ago
Stock photo of a colorful assortment of candies.
2 months ago

Health Secretary RFK Jr. says 'sugar is poison'

ABC News Medical Contributor Dr. Alok Patel reacts to comments by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling sugar 'poison.'
2 months ago
VIDEO: Health Secretary RFK Jr. says 'sugar is poison'
2 months ago

RFK Jr. reveals plan to phase out petroleum-based food dyes by end of 2026

The eight petroleum-based dyes are found in thousands of products from candy to cereal to medication.
2 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. reveals plan to phase out petroleum-based food dyes by end of 2026
2 months ago

RFK Jr. moves to phase out food dyes

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. proposed on Tuesday to eliminate eight petroleum-based dyes from America’s food supply by next year.
2 months ago
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. proposed on Tuesday to eliminate eight petroleum-based dyes from America’s food supply by next year.
2 months ago

RFK Jr. unveils plan to phase out 8 artificial food dyes in the US

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration announced on Tuesday a series of measures to phase out eight artificial food dyes.
2 months ago
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. looks on during a press conference on April 7, 2025, in Salt Lake City.
2 months ago

RFK Jr. moves to eliminate certain dyes in food

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to urge food manufacturers to phase out the use of eight dyes in the nation's food supply.
2 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. moves to eliminate certain dyes in food
2 months ago

RFK Jr.'s remarks about autism draw reactions from parents and experts

Dr. Jessica Shepherd, chief medical officer for Hers, joins ABC News Live to discuss RFK Jr.'s comments about autism and measles cases across the U.S.
2 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr.'s remarks about autism draw reactions from parents and experts
2 months ago

RFK Jr.'s comments on autism draw reactions from parents and experts

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing growing criticism from parents and advocates who say his recent comments on autism were misguided.
2 months ago
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference at the Department of Health and Human Services, April 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
2 months ago

RFK Jr. contradicts experts on rise of autism rates in America

The HHS secretary argued against experts in medicine who say that the increase diagnoses is largely because parents and doctors are getting better at recognizing the disorder.
2 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. contradicts experts on rise of autism rates in America
2 months ago

RFK Jr. contradicts experts on rise of autism diagnoses

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he was determined to find the "environmental exposures" behind the rise of autism diagnoses.
2 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. contradicts experts on rise of autism diagnoses
2 months ago

RFK Jr. lays out new studies on autism, shuts down 'better diagnoses' as a cause

Kennedy has prioritized autism as one of the chronic illnesses he’s determined to tackle in his aim to “Make America Healthy Again."
2 months ago
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference at the Department of Health and Human Services, April 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
2 months ago

Autism advocate on RFK Jr.’s promised autism study

Colin Killick, executive director of the Autism Self Advocacy Network, joins ABC News Live to discuss how HHS Secretary RFK Jr.’s comments about autistic people impact the community.
2 months ago
VIDEO:
2 months ago

HHS Sec. RFK Jr. outlines the findings from a new CDC report on autism diagnoses

Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. outlined the findings of a new survey from the CDC which found that autism diagnoses are continuing to increase in the U.S.
2 months ago
Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. outlined the findings of a new survey from the CDC which found that autism diagnoses are continuing to increase in the U.S.
2 months ago

RFK Jr. continues to be dogged by impacts of HHS cuts

Despite widespread HHS cuts, RFK Jr. continues to say critical programs are protected.
2 months ago
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visits the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah, April 7, 2025.
2 months ago

RFK Jr. pledges an answer to the 'autism epidemic' by September

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting that, by September, his agency will "know what has caused the autism epidemic."
2 months ago
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum attend a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., April 10, 2025.