HHS Secretary Kennedy Sparks Controversy: Vaccine Trials, Autism Claims, and a Dead Bear Cub

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Health and Human Services Secretary, has made significant policy announcements in recent days that have stirred controversy in the medical community. On May 3rd, Kennedy announced that his department will now require new vaccines to undergo placebo-controlled trials before approval, which an HHS spokesperson called "a radical departure from past practices." This policy would force vaccine developers to conduct studies where half of participants receive only a saline shot, raising concerns among medical experts who consider such testing potentially unethical for vaccines already proven safe and effective.

Kennedy is also spearheading a $50-million research initiative aimed at understanding the causes of autism spectrum disorder. During an April press conference, he made several scientifically disputed claims about autism, including that it's preventable and caused by environmental exposure rather than genetics.

These policy changes come amid ongoing measles outbreaks in the southwestern United States that began earlier this year. Kennedy's tenure as HHS Secretary started during this outbreak, which included the first measles death in a decade. His initial response promoted controversial treatments including cod liver oil, steroid inhalation, and vitamin A, while overstating potential harms of vaccination.

Meanwhile, Kennedy's "Take Back Your Health" campaign has received new funding, though specific details remain limited. His appointment continues to face criticism from medical professionals, particularly regarding his vaccine skepticism. When confirmed as HHS Secretary on February 13, 2025, former Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell was the sole Republican to vote against him, citing concerns about Kennedy's stance on vaccines.

Prior to his government role, Kennedy made headlines for unusual incidents, including a viral video where he admitted to disposing of a dead bear cub he found as roadkill. The anecdote and accompanying photo of Kennedy with his hand in the dead cub's jaws spread across social media last year during his presidential campaign, which ultimately led to his current cabinet position in the Trump administration.

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