During a contentious interview on Aug. 2, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. rejected accusations that he bears responsibility for the record-high measles cases in the U.S., now at the highest level since 1991. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the surge on July 24, with five months remaining in the year.
Kennedy, a prominent vaccine skeptic, faced direct questioning from CNN host Dana Bash about the measles outbreaks and his long-standing criticism of vaccine efficacy. Bash pressed him on whether he accepted any accountability for the situation, to which Kennedy responded, “Absolutely not.”
Kennedy countered by highlighting that other countries, including Canada, Mexico, and England, have recorded higher measles cases per capita in recent months. He also cited Dr. Anthony Fauci’s private diary, released in July, which documented concerns about the unintended consequences of COVID-19 lockdowns on childhood vaccinations. Fauci noted in a May 6, 2020, entry that over 1 million children worldwide missed measles vaccinations due to pandemic-related disruptions.
The interview escalated as Bash demanded Kennedy use his platform to advocate for measles vaccination. She urged him to “look into the camera” and directly encourage parents to vaccinate their children, calling the measles vaccine “safe” and “life-saving.” Kennedy responded by pointing to statements on his public platforms but did not immediately comply with her request.
Kennedy has a history of questioning vaccine safety and efficacy, including claims that the MMR vaccine was not adequately tested and that its protection wanes quickly. In 2025, he acknowledged the MMR vaccine as the best protection against measles but reiterated concerns about its safety profile.
The CDC’s July 24 report underscored the urgency of the situation, with measles cases surpassing annual totals from recent decades. Public health experts have linked the rise to declining vaccination rates, partly attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruptions to routine medical care and immunization programs.
Kennedy’s tenure as HHS secretary has been marked by contentious debates over public health policy, particularly regarding vaccine mandates and pandemic response strategies. His refusal to accept responsibility for the measles surge reflects his broader skepticism toward government-led health initiatives, a stance he has maintained for years.