Kennedy tells anti-vaccine group he previously led that he’ll ‘stay in this fight’
Kennedy Tells Anti Vaccine Group He Will ‘Stay in This Fight’
Activelifezero.com – Kennedy tells anti vaccine group he previously led that it still has support in the White House, speaking as the United States faces its largest measles surge in decades. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. received a standing ovation Thursday at the annual gathering of Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine advocacy organization he helped found.
The speech highlighted Kennedy’s distinctive role as the country’s top health official. Earlier HHS secretaries would have been unlikely to appear at an event hosted by an organization known for challenging vaccine requirements and established public health guidance. Kennedy left his leadership position at Children’s Health Defense during his presidential campaign, but his remarks signaled continued alignment with many attendees.
Much of Kennedy’s nearly 40-minute address focused on the Trump administration’s broader health agenda. He discussed efforts involving chronic disease, food dyes, ultraprocessed foods in government nutrition programs, and regenerative agriculture. He also referred to research on possible health effects associated with electromagnetic fields and chemtrails, drawing applause from the audience.
Support for parents questioning vaccine policy
When Kennedy turned to vaccination, he praised President Donald Trump for backing people who raise concerns about vaccine policy. He told the audience that they had an advocate in the White House.
“You have a strong and steadfast friend at the White House.”
Kennedy said Trump would not allow the government to stigmatize parents who question conventional vaccine views.
“President Trump will not allow the government to treat parents who question vaccine orthodoxies as lepers.”
He said the administration had preserved access to vaccines while beginning to examine questions raised by skeptical parents.
“We have not taken vaccines away from anyone. We have preserved access, but we have started asking the questions that you and millions of American parents have been asking for years.”
Kennedy, a lawyer, had previously said during his confirmation hearing and in social media posts that he would not restrict vaccine access. At the Children’s Health Defense event, he nevertheless criticized vaccine safety and effectiveness policies and pledged to continue supporting people who share those concerns.
Children’s Health Defense and its long campaign
Children’s Health Defense has played a prominent role in legal and political efforts opposing vaccine policies. During Kennedy’s earlier leadership, the organization pursued dozens of lawsuits involving state and federal vaccine rules, public health mandates, and related measures. It has also backed so-called medical freedom legislation and produced films questioning vaccine safety.
The gathering reflected the group’s longstanding message. Attendees could enter a contest for a signed copy of Kennedy’s book about former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Anthony Fauci, The Real Anthony Fauci. Complimentary copies of Kennedy’s The Wuhan Cover-Up were also available, while the organization’s website sells infant clothing with slogans including “No Vax No Problem” and “Unvaxxed Unafraid.”
Kennedy tells anti vaccine group supporters that their concerns should remain part of the national conversation. His appearance came as federal health policy and vaccine guidance face heightened scrutiny from advocates, medical experts, and families across the country.
Measles surge raises public health concerns
Kennedy mentioned measles only once during his remarks, despite the disease forming a critical backdrop to the event. Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but more than 3,200 cases have been recorded nationally this year as vaccination coverage has declined.
Pennsylvania has reported four measles-related deaths this year, including two infants and an 18-year-old. The virus can spread quickly, especially in communities with lower vaccination rates. Infants are particularly vulnerable because many are too young to complete routine immunizations.
Public health experts say vaccines have a strong record of safety and effectiveness, and serious vaccine-related harm is uncommon. A 2021 review covering 338 studies and 518 publications concluded that vaccines are safe across populations and that severe adverse events are rare, findings consistent with other systematic reviews.
Kennedy criticized the federal system used to collect reports of adverse events following vaccination, calling it “very bad.” He said the full frequency of vaccine injuries could not be known with certainty, while acknowledging that many injuries were likely uncommon and arguing that the issue required additional examination.
“In our country, we care about rare illnesses and deaths. We care about every child who dies from measles.”
Frequently asked questions
Why did Kennedy speak at the event? Kennedy previously led Children’s Health Defense and used the gathering to discuss health policy, chronic disease, food standards, and concerns raised by parents who question vaccine policy.
What is the current measles concern? More than 3,200 measles cases have been recorded in the United States this year. Health officials warn that lower vaccination coverage can leave communities more vulnerable to outbreaks.
Are vaccines still available under the administration? Kennedy said vaccines had not been taken away and that access had been preserved, despite his criticism of federal vaccine safety monitoring and his support for additional scrutiny.
