Public Health Leaders and HHS Staff Demand RFK Jr.’s Resignation as Health Secretary

  public health leadersOver 20 health groups and 1,000+ HHS staff call for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s resignation, citing misinformation and threats to public health.

Calls are growing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), with leading voices in medicine and public health joining the demand. More than 20 major medical and non-governmental health organizations—including the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Public Health Association, and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society—have signed a joint statement urging Kennedy’s resignation. They warn that his actions undermine evidence-based medicine, erode trust in science, and endanger public health programs across the nation. Public health leaders say that when scientific institutions are politicized, the well-being of communities is compromised.

In addition to pressure from medical organizations, over 1,000 current and former HHS employees have signed an open letter calling for Kennedy’s removal. Staff accuse him of spreading misinformation, promoting fringe theories, and making controversial personnel decisions that weaken federal health agencies. Critics cite his dismissal of CDC Director Susan Monarez, the resignation of career scientists in protest, and his appointments of vaccine skeptic Retsef Levi and discredited anti-vaccine activist David Geier. Public health leaders in these institutions express deep concern that such decisions shake public confidence and hamper disease prevention efforts.

Kennedy has defended his leadership, arguing in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that the CDC was dysfunctional before his tenure and that he is working to restore innovation, transparency, and trust. However, critics say his approach has backfired, fueling instability and undermining key health initiatives. Public health leaders argue that leadership must be rooted in proven science and not in sensational claims.

The controversy has intensified amid unrest at the CDC, including leadership turnover, withdrawal of union status, and contentious vaccine policy shifts. In a New York Times op-ed, nine former CDC directors from both parties criticized Kennedy’s management of the agency. Additionally, U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Bernie Sanders have urged the White House to replace him. These lawmakers echo calls from public health leaders demanding accountability and stability.

Public health leaders argue that Kennedy’s policies jeopardize vital programs such as vaccine safety, infectious disease prevention, chronic disease management, and emergency preparedness. They warn of declining access to health information, weakened local health agencies, and reversals in progress against HIV, hepatitis, and STIs.

The coalition of organizations and HHS staff conclude that Kennedy lacks the expertise and commitment to lead a science-based public health agenda. They are urging Congress and the President to appoint a new HHS Secretary who can restore evidence-based leadership and protect the nation’s health.

• Oversight and investigations: With mounting pressure, Congress may initiate hearings or demand internal reports. Oversight from public health leaders in legislative bodies could force more clarity on recent policy changes and decision-making.

• Impact on public trust: When public health leaders from trusted institutions call for leadership change, it signals to the public that institutional integrity is at stake. Restoring trust may require transparent processes, expert consultations, and reaffirmation of scientific norms.

• Programs at risk: Key initiatives such as vaccination programs, infectious disease monitoring, and community health outreach may suffer disruptions. Public health leaders emphasize that local health departments could face underfunding or conflicting guidance, harming vulnerable populations.

• Possible successors and criteria: If RFK Jr. steps down or is removed, there will be debate over who might replace him. Many among public health leaders insist that a candidate with strong scientific credentials, prior experience in public health, and a commitment to evidence-based policy will be needed.

• Long-term lessons: This episode underlines the importance of institutional checks and balances. Public health leaders believe future health secretaries should have clear accountability, and that public health decision-making should remain insulated from partisan pressures.