US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces calls for resignation and a criminal investigation after newly obtained documents reportedly contradict his confirmation testimony regarding a 2019 trip to Samoa, where a subsequent measles outbreak claimed 83 lives.
A senior Democratic senator is pressing for a criminal investigation into U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., pointing to newly surfaced documents that challenge statements he made during his Senate confirmation hearings last year. The records stem from Freedom of Information Act lawsuits pursued by news organizations, including the Associated Press.
Ron Wyden Urges Department of Justice Investigation Over Samoa Letters
Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon announced he is urging Republican colleagues to issue a criminal referral to the Justice Department concerning Kennedy’s congressional testimony. Wyden’s push follows reporting by The Guardian that detailed correspondence contradicting Kennedy’s previous assertions.
“RFK’s platform is built on lies and grifts that leave a trail of dead children in their wake. There are consequences for lying to Congress.”
Sen. Ron Wyden, top Democrat on the Senate finance committee
Wyden added that when Democrats retake the majority in the Senate, the health secretary would face intense scrutiny from the finance committee.
Government watchdog group American Oversight also sent a formal letter to the Justice Department, requesting an immediate inquiry into whether false statements were made to lawmakers.
Contradicted Testimony on the 2019 Trip to Samoa
During confirmation hearings last year, senators questioned Kennedy about his 2019 travel to Samoa while he led an anti-vaccine organization. Months after his visit, a severe measles outbreak swept the Pacific island nation, sickening thousands and killing 83 people, predominantly children under the age of five.
When questioned by Wyden and Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, Kennedy maintained that his journey had nothing to do with vaccines
. However, newly obtained letters tell a different story. In one communication, Kennedy explicitly told the Samoan prime minister that he wanted to study the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilizing the words vaccine
or vaccination
eight times.
Legal and Political Fallout for the Department of Health and Human Services
Legal analysts note the complex hurdles facing any potential prosecution. Josh Chafetz, a professor of law and politics at Georgetown University Law Center, observed that lying to Congress is a crime, whether or not the witness is under oath
, while noting that such action would require the executive branch to prosecute, making a case under the current Justice Department unlikely.
Even so, congressional attorneys indicate that if Democrats capture control of either chamber in the upcoming November elections, they could leverage the statements to initiate hearings, launch an impeachment inquiry, or erect legislative roadblocks for the administration.
Senator Markey issued a sharp condemnation following the document release.
“This is a pattern, not a slip. RFK Jr has lied to the Senate, lied to the American people and jeopardized the health of children to advance his anti-vaccine agenda.”
Sen. Ed Markey, Democrat from Massachusetts
Markey asserted that Kennedy should never have been confirmed and lacks the trustworthiness to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Demands for Resignation
Additional officials have renewed demands for Kennedy to step down. Senator Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland, who sits on the Senate health, education, labor and pensions committee overseeing his agency, reiterated her call for his resignation or dismissal.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green, a medical doctor who participated in the 2019 medical response in Samoa, joined in demanding an immediate exit.
“It is clear that Kennedy misled Congress about his intentions in Samoa and his stance on vaccinations during his confirmation hearings two years ago. It is time for him to immediately resign. He must do this for the safety and health of our country.”
Josh Green, Governor of Hawaii and medical doctor
The Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the calls for investigation. In a prior statement, the agency maintained that Kennedy’s visit to Samoa was unrelated to vaccines, labeling any suggestions that he misled Congress as false and defamatory, despite Kennedy not having been under oath during the proceedings.
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