Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Two unvaccinated individuals died from measles in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the first U.S. measles deaths this year and Pennsylvania’s first in over three decades. The outbreak has reached 393 cases in Pennsylvania and 2,777 nationally—a 35-year high. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggested the deaths were “fabricated,” sparking a political battle with Governor Josh Shapiro. Democratic lawmakers and pro-science groups are demanding Kennedy’s resignation, accusing him of spreading anti-vaccine misinformation that undermines public health.

14 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 1, 05:54 PM UTC

Newly obtained letters reveal HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told Samoa’s prime minister in 2019 he intended to study MMR vaccine efficacy, contradicting his sworn Senate testimony that the trip had “nothing to do with vaccines.” Critics link his visit and his nonprofit’s anti-vaccine messaging to a subsequent measles outbreak that infected over 5,700 and killed 83, mostly children. Senator Wyden has called for a criminal probe, while HHS denies wrongdoing.

6 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 28, 03:35 PM UTC

President Donald Trump has selected Dr. Heidi Overton, a White House domestic policy aide and physician, to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If confirmed by the Senate, Overton would replace Marty Makary, who resigned after clashes with the administration. The nomination faces strong bipartisan criticism, particularly from Republican senators over her role in vaccine policy and conservative health stances. The FDA has lost over 3,000 staff and faces trust and politicization challenges.

11 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 21, 01:00 PM UTC

On August 10-11, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order reducing recommended childhood vaccines from 17 to 11 diseases, removing universal recommendations for hepatitis B, COVID-19, and flu. The order also calls for splitting the combined MMR vaccine into three separate shots, based on debunked claims linking vaccines to autism. Health experts and lawmakers strongly oppose the move, warning it increases infection risks amid a major measles outbreak. The order’s impact is limited as states control vaccine mandates.

28 reports · 9 sources · Updated Aug 21, 01:42 PM UTC

A salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers from a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, has sickened at least 345 people across 27 U.S. states, with 36 hospitalized. The contaminated peppers, distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, were used at Chipotle and QDOBA restaurants, which removed them from all 4,850 U.S. locations. Taylor Farms also recalled ready-made products containing the peppers. The CDC states no ongoing risk to customers, while the FDA investigates potential grocery store sales.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Aug 12, 06:02 PM UTC

The U.S. FDA approved Moderna's mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, for adults aged 50 and older. Clinical trials showed 26.6% greater efficacy than traditional shots. The approval followed a contentious review process, including an initial refusal and subsequent reversal. The vaccine is expected for the 2026-2027 flu season. The decision occurs amid HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s efforts to cut federal funding for mRNA vaccine research, including canceling $500 million in contracts.

6 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 10, 11:13 PM UTC

The Trump administration has proposed a rule to overhaul Head Start, a federal preschool program serving over 700,000 low-income children. The rule would eliminate most federal quality standards (class size, staff ratios, curriculum, developmental screenings, protections for homeless/foster children) and cap administrative overhead at 5%, saving $2.2 billion. It would also restrict enrollment to citizen or "qualified alien" children, potentially excluding immigrant families. States would set standards, leading to concerns about reduced quality and services. Critics warn of harm to children with disabilities and low-income families.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Aug 6, 04:11 PM UTC

On July 30, 2026, the Senate HELP Committee voted along party lines to advance Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director and Sean Kaufman as ASPR assistant secretary. Schwartz’s nomination passed 13-10, with Democrat Tim Kaine crossing party lines, citing urgent health threats like Ebola and measles. Kaufman’s nomination advanced 12-11 after he agreed to avoid vaccine policymaking. Both nominees face full Senate confirmation amid concerns over political interference from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has pursued a vaccine-skeptical agenda.

14 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 6, 02:53 PM UTC

Michigan health officials confirmed the first two deaths in a nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, both victims having significant underlying health conditions. Michigan, the hardest-hit state, has reported 11,234 cases and 193 hospitalizations. The outbreak is linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, sourced from central Mexico. While cyclosporiasis is generally not life-threatening, the fatalities highlight risks for vulnerable populations. Cases have been reported across 45 states, though the outbreak may be subsiding.

11 reports · 6 sources · Updated Aug 5, 01:52 PM UTC

A U.S. FDA advisory panel narrowly voted 8-6 to recommend easing restrictions on seven synthetic peptides (including BPC-157, TB-500, and Semax) for compounding pharmacy use, despite FDA scientists citing insufficient safety and efficacy data. The panel, convened under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., included several members with ties to the peptide industry. Critics warn the decision could expand a “Wild West” gray market, while supporters argue for patient access. The FDA is not bound by the vote but typically follows such recommendations.

9 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 3, 07:06 PM UTC

A group of four Senate Democrats, led by Senator Elizabeth Warren, sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday, questioning whether his family members could financially benefit from a $50 million legal settlement involving a vaccine. The letter, also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks, Richard Blumenthal, and Andy Kim, seeks transparency regarding potential conflicts of interest. The inquiry focuses on whether Kennedy's relatives have any stake in the settlement proceeds, given his prominent role in vaccine-related advocacy and his current position overseeing HHS. The senators requested detailed information about the settlement's beneficiaries and any financial ties to Kennedy's family. The move reflects ongoing scrutiny of Kennedy's past anti-vaccine activism and his current government responsibilities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 05:20 PM UTC

The United States is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, with 2,318 confirmed cases recorded in just the first seven months of 2026, according to CDC data. This surpasses the record-setting 2025 total of 2,289 cases, which included three deaths, two of them young children. Measles was declared eradicated in the US in 2000 due to widespread vaccination, but declining vaccination rates and growing distrust in health authorities have fueled a resurgence. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been accused of spreading anti-vaccine sentiment. The American Academy of Pediatrics called the outbreak an 'avoidable crisis' that disproportionately harms children. The last time case numbers were this high was in 1991, before a two-dose vaccine regimen became standard.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 07:04 PM UTC

The United States is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, with 2,318 confirmed cases recorded in just seven months of 2026, according to CDC data. This surpasses the 2025 total of 2,289 cases, which included three deaths, two of them young children. Measles was declared eradicated in the US in 2000 due to widespread vaccination, but declining vaccination rates and growing distrust in health authorities have fueled a resurgence. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has been accused of contributing to the crisis by spreading anti-vaccine sentiment. The American Academy of Pediatrics called the outbreak an 'avoidable crisis' that disproportionately harms children. The last time case numbers were this high was in 1991, before a two-dose vaccine regimen became standard.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 07:04 PM UTC

A massive multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic foodborne illness, is testing HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s pledge to overhaul the U.S. food system and restore public trust in agencies like the CDC. At least 7,000 people have been sickened in Michigan alone, with official CDC counts lagging at nearly 4,200 cases. The FDA and CDC initially identified shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms as the likely source, but later retracted a positive test result as a false positive, creating confusion. Experts say the response highlights chronic underfunding of food safety at the FDA and CDC, exacerbated by recent Trump administration cuts to key investigative and public communication staff. Kennedy has defended the response as 'under control,' but former officials and food safety experts argue the system is overstrained and underprepared.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:32 PM UTC

The Trump administration, led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, paused over $1 billion in Medicare and Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota, citing suspected fraud without presenting new evidence. This follows a pattern of targeting Democratic-run states, including a prior $1.3 billion block on California. Both states are expected to sue, arguing the cuts are politically motivated. Past legal challenges have overturned similar actions.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:49 PM UTC

The FDA and CDC have not yet confirmed the source of the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak, despite HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claiming it is under control. As of late July 2026, the CDC outbreak page had not been updated since July 18, showing 1,644 cases, but state-level data suggests much higher numbers, with Michigan reporting 6,571 cases, Ohio 1,244, Indiana 511, West Virginia 195, and Kentucky 192. An initial positive test for Cyclospora in Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce was later determined to be a false positive, though the company voluntarily recalled products from 27 states. The article notes that the incubation period can range from 2 to 14 days, meaning many undiagnosed cases may exist. The author advises continued caution and recommends checking recall notices until the outbreak is definitively resolved.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:00 PM UTC

Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), chair of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, is using his personal battle with alpha-gal syndrome—a tick-borne red meat allergy affecting at least 450,000 Americans—to push for increased research and legislation. The disease, caused by lone star tick bites, triggers potentially life-threatening allergic reactions to red meat and mammalian products. Griffith, who cannot eat beef or dairy, advocates for the Kay Hagan Tick Act to enhance monitoring and research. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also prioritized tick-borne disease elimination. The House passed its version of the tick research bill, while the Senate has yet to act. Alpha-gal syndrome is the fastest-growing tick-borne disease in the U.S., with up to 75% of sufferers experiencing anaphylaxis.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:20 AM UTC

An FDA advisory panel is expected to recommend legal production of up to seven peptides, including popular injectables like BPC-157 and TB-500, currently sold in a gray market worth an estimated $3 billion. Compounding pharmacies such as Empower Pharmacy and Strive Pharmacy, along with telehealth companies like Hims & Hers and Wheel, are preparing for a potential multi-billion-dollar market. The panel's recommendation, anticipated by online commentators as 'Peptide Liberation Day,' will go to the FDA for final approval, which could take months to over a year. Supporters, including HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., argue legalization will improve safety, while critics warn of unproven efficacy and potential for 'snake oil' products. The FDA's own technical staff has recommended against expanded access.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 10:30 AM UTC

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s newly reformed Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee is set to meet this week to consider adding more peptides to the list of substances that compounding pharmacies can legally produce. The meeting has put the pharmaceutical industry on edge, as observers are divided over whether peptides—which Kennedy has publicly stated he is a 'big fan of'—should be regulated as pharmaceuticals. The debate centers on balancing patient access to compounded peptides with safety and efficacy concerns typically associated with FDA-approved drugs. The outcome could significantly impact the compounding pharmacy sector and the broader peptide market.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 08:05 PM UTC

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated on Tuesday that the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak affecting thousands across the U.S. is 'under control,' claiming officials have identified the source through extensive forensics testing and that implicated companies have implemented recalls. However, the Food and Drug Administration earlier acknowledged a false positive result from a lettuce sample from Taylor Farms, leaving no clearly confirmed source. Kennedy dismissed criticisms that the Trump administration delayed public notification and that federal funding cuts ended mandatory reporting for cyclospora in some states, arguing no cuts affected the Foodborne Disease Active Surveillance Network. The CDC noted it made cyclospora reporting optional in 2025. The story is developing.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:36 PM UTC

The article examines the contradiction between the Trump Administration's 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) initiatives and its policies on glyphosate. On June 25, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that Bayer/Monsanto is shielded from state-level lawsuits over Roundup's alleged cancer risks. Hours later, President Trump signed an Executive Order promoting regenerative agriculture, which activists say is undermined by continued glyphosate use. The EPA subsequently approved new uses of 'forever chemicals' as pesticides. MAHA leader HHS Secretary RFK Jr. has championed beneficial health measures like banning artificial dyes, but critics argue the administration simultaneously grants legal immunity to pesticide companies. Glyphosate is sprayed on 300 million acres of US farmland annually and is classified as a probable carcinogen by the WHO. Activists express disappointment that the administration's actions favor industry over public health.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:27 PM UTC

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz are scheduled to deliver remarks on Tuesday morning regarding the Trump administration's initiatives to combat fraud in federal healthcare programs. The event underscores the administration's focus on rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse across Medicare and Medicaid. The remarks come as part of a broader priority to enhance integrity and efficiency in government healthcare spending.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:41 PM UTC

Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) has publicly criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for terminating the CDC's FoodNet program, which tracked parasitic infections including cyclospora. The decision, made last year, suspended interagency tracking efforts involving the CDC, USDA, and FDA. Ossoff linked the termination to a recent cyclospora outbreak, arguing that the move undermines public health surveillance and response capabilities. The article highlights ongoing political tensions over federal health policy and food safety monitoring.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:30 PM UTC

A growing number of Americans are self-injecting unregulated peptides—short chains of amino acids—purchased largely from Chinese labs on the gray market, seeking benefits like thicker hair, muscle mass, and improved focus. The trend, endorsed by celebrities and tech CEOs, has created a $1-3 billion market, with imports of Chinese peptide compounds doubling to $328 million in the first nine months of 2025. While some peptides like insulin and GLP-1 drugs (e.g., Ozempic) are FDA-approved, most are sold 'for research purposes only' and lack rigorous safety testing. Doctors warn of unknown long-term effects, including potential cancer risks: a University of Utah study found BPC-157 may promote tumor growth, and TB-500 accelerated tumors in lab animals. Users have reported side effects such as hair loss, blurred vision, and hospitalizations. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed interest in easing access to these substances.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:38 PM UTC

A growing number of Americans are self-injecting unregulated peptides—short chains of amino acids—purchased from the gray market, primarily sourced from Chinese labs, to achieve benefits like thicker hair, increased libido, muscle mass, and better skin. The industry is estimated at $1-3 billion annually, fueled by celebrity endorsements from Joe Rogan, Kim Kardashian, and Gwyneth Paltrow, as well as the success of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. Doctors express alarm over unknown long-term effects, purity issues, and contamination risks. A University of Utah study found peptide BPC-157 may promote tumor growth, while TB-500 has accelerated tumors in lab animals. Users report side effects including hair loss, blurred vision, and hospitalizations. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has expressed interest in making peptides more accessible, despite medical warnings that users are becoming 'lab rats.'

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:38 PM UTC

A growing number of Americans are self-injecting unregulated peptides—short chains of amino acids—to improve hair, skin, muscle mass, libido, and focus, driven by celebrity endorsements from figures like Joe Rogan, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kim Kardashian. The market is estimated at $1-3 billion annually, with many products sourced from Chinese labs labeled 'for research purposes only.' U.S. customs data shows imports of Chinese hormone and peptide compounds hit $328 million in the first nine months of 2025, double the previous year. Doctors express alarm over unknown long-term effects, purity issues, and contamination risks, noting that some peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500 have been linked to tumor growth in studies. Side effects include hair loss, blurred vision, and hospitalizations. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. supports easier access to these substances.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 06:38 PM UTC

The U.S. military, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, announced plans to test service members' testosterone levels and offer replacement therapy to those who qualify, aiming to optimize troop performance. This initiative aligns with a broader Trump administration push to expand access to testosterone therapies, promoted by figures like HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Testosterone replacement therapy prescriptions have surged from 7.3 million in 2019 to over 11 million in 2024, driven by men's health clinics and online influencers. However, medical experts caution that up to a third of users lack a formal diagnosis of hypogonadism, the condition the therapy is intended for. While benefits include improved bone density and muscle mass for qualified patients, long-term risks remain unclear, and excess testosterone can reduce sperm production. Physicians stress that a single blood test is insufficient for diagnosis and that the therapy is not a solution for normal aging or low energy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 03:40 PM UTC

The Trump administration has decided not to renew $46 million in direct federal funding for 96 community-based organizations that provide HIV prevention services, including testing, linkage to care, and pre- and post-exposure drug treatment referrals. The Office of Management and Budget informed the CDC of the decision, which shifts resources to state and local health departments instead. A supplemental funding notice to states was issued but only covers funding through May, with applications due July 21. The move contradicts the White House's goal to end the HIV epidemic by 2030 and is seen as part of a broader push to eliminate DEI-focused initiatives. HIV advocacy groups are urging Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya to reverse the decision. The White House's 2027 budget request proposed eliminating $800 million of CDC HIV prevention funding.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:00 PM UTC

The Trump administration has decided not to renew $46 million in direct federal funding for 96 community-based organizations that provide HIV prevention services, including testing, linkage to care, and pre- and post-exposure drug treatment referrals. The Office of Management and Budget informed the CDC of the decision late last week, redirecting resources to state and local health departments instead. A supplemental notice of funding to states was issued, but it only lasts through May and applications are due July 21. The move is seen as part of the administration's push to eliminate DEI-focused initiatives that help the LGBTQ community, and it contradicts the White House's goal to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. HIV advocacy groups are urging Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and acting CDC Director Jay Bhattacharya to reverse the decision. The White House's 2027 budget request proposed eliminating $800 million of CDC HIV prevention funding.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:00 PM UTC

A widespread outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a diarrhea-causing parasite, has sickened thousands across more than two-thirds of U.S. states. The article argues that cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk under President Trump, significantly weakened the CDC's ability to respond. The CDC's cyclospora lab was downsized from 11 to 3 staff. Additionally, in July 2025, the CDC under Health Secretary RFK Jr. changed cyclospora monitoring from mandatory to optional in the Foodnet surveillance system. The White House press secretary claimed the cuts did not impact the outbreak response, a claim the article disputes. The outbreak has been nicknamed 'the DOGE shits' on social media.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 03:45 PM UTC