health
RFK Jr. has lied to the Senate: Lawmakers call for criminal probe, ouster
RFK Jr. went to Samoa to spread vaccine fears. The measles outbreak after killed 83.
TL;DR
- Senators are renewing calls for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to step down or be ousted, alleging he lied during his confirmation hearings.
- Newly released documents contradict Kennedy's statements about his trip to Samoa in 2019, where he led anti-vaccine efforts.
- Kennedy claimed his trip was to introduce a medical informatics system, not related to vaccines, but letters show he discussed vaccine safety and alleged adverse effects.
- Samoa experienced a deadly measles outbreak in late 2019, killing 83 people, mostly children, following a decline in vaccination rates fueled by anti-vaccine activism.
- Senators Edward J. Markey and Ron Wyden are leading calls for Kennedy's resignation and a criminal investigation into his alleged false statements.
- The documents suggest Kennedy falsely implied faulty vaccines caused infant deaths in Samoa, while the actual cause was a nurse's error involving a muscle relaxant.
- Hawaii Governor Josh Green and Senator Angela Alsobrooks have also called for Kennedy's immediate resignation or firing.