Health Secretary Kennedy Defends Budget Cuts, Vaccine Stance Amid Measles Outbreak

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sparked significant controversy due to his vaccine skepticism and aggressive budget cuts within key health agencies, including the NIH and CDC. During Congressional hearings, Kennedy defended his proposal to reduce the federal health workforce and slash billions from health budgets, claiming these moves would increase efficiency and save taxpayers money. His reluctance to fully endorse vaccines like the MMR amid a measles outbreak, which has caused over 1,000 infections and multiple deaths, has drawn sharp criticism from health officials and lawmakers who warn the cuts and skepticism could jeopardize public health. Kennedy has admitted that medical advice should not be taken from him personally and faces accusations of spreading misinformation about vaccines and autism. Experts and pediatricians have called his demands for more placebo-controlled vaccine trials misleading and potentially harmful, arguing such requirements could delay vaccine development without added benefit. Despite the backlash, Kennedy maintains that his decisions are aimed at streamlining operations and has pledged to collaborate on other health issues such as prescription drug pricing.