Summary
Federal health workers in the U.S. have asked Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to stop spreading false information about health topics. They believe Kennedy's comments undermine trust in public health and have linked his words to recent violence, including a shooting at the CDC. Kennedy has faced criticism for cutting health funding and questioning vaccine safety.
Key Facts
- Health employees sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asking him to stop spreading false health information.
- The letter follows a shooting at the CDC headquarters by someone who distrusted COVID-19 vaccines.
- Kennedy has been accused of calling the CDC a "cesspool of corruption."
- The health workers say Kennedy's policies create gaps in public health safety and disease prevention.
- Kennedy has a history of spreading vaccine misinformation, including during a 2019 visit to Samoa.
- Under his leadership, funding for mRNA vaccine research has been cut.
- Former CDC Director William Foege urged health workers to continue their efforts despite challenges from Kennedy's statements.
- The CDC shooting resulted in the death of a police officer and the shooter's suicide.
