RFK Jr.'s team pressured CDC on vaccines, emails show

Newly released internal emails expose how the Trump administration's Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., attempted to influence the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's public health decisions. The documents, obtained by Democrats on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, span from early in the administration to the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez.

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asked that we pull out of circulation all campaign ad buys related to flu or anything encouraging shots or vaccinations.

One notable exchange from February 2025 shows an HHS communications chief asking CDC officials to pull all campaign ad buys related to flu vaccinations. The request, described as coming "directly from the Secretary," aimed to shift messaging towards "informed consent." A CDC official warned of significant reputational and legal risks, especially during a severe flu season.

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came directly from the Secretary

Another instance detailed in the emails involved Kennedy's move to replace all 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices. A memo indicated this decision would give Biden appointees significant sway over vaccine recommendations until 2028, suggesting a political motivation behind the shake-up.

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Given that this is the worst flu season in years, halting a campaign currently in the field presents significant reputational risk to the agency. There are also likely legal issues with contracts/appropriated funding.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, the committee's ranking member, stated the emails demonstrate that Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, "prioritized politics over public health, ignored expert guidance, and endangered people, particularly children." CBS News has sought comment from HHS.

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this was a direct ask from Secretary Kennedy.