Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
American politician, environmental lawyer, anti-vaccine activist, and conspiracy theorist (born 1954)
Photo: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons, cropped)
- 4d ago
Pennsylvania reports sixth measles death as CDC counts only two nationwide
A 39-year-old woman in Franklin County died of a measles-associated death, the sixth in Pennsylvania's outbreak. The CDC's national tally still counts only two deaths, as Governor Josh Shapiro and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dispute how such deaths are defined.
- Oct 8
US measles cases near 4,000 as CDC releases $100 million to states
The US has recorded 3,887 confirmed measles cases in 2026 as of 1 October, more than the 2,289 counted in all of 2025. New York declared a statewide health emergency on Monday.
- Oct 5
New York declares state of emergency as US measles cases approach 3,900
Governor Kathy Hochul issued an executive order declaring a disaster emergency through 4 November after 108 measles cases were reported across New York. The measure expands vaccination powers to pharmacists, paramedics, and midwives.
- Sep 30
Pennsylvania Reports Fifth Measles Fatality as State Caseload Reaches 943 Across 39 Counties
The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported a fifth measles-associated death on Wednesday, identifying the deceased as an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident as statewide cases reached 943 across 39 counties.
- Sep 30
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promotes artificial intelligence as alternative to medical experts at Washington summit
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told attendees at a Washington summit that artificial intelligence can provide better medical guidance than doctors and challenge conventional public health advice.
- Sep 24
FDA nominee Heidi Overton defends vaccine safety and faces scrutiny over abortion pill in Senate hearing
Dr. Heidi Overton told the Senate health panel that FDA-approved vaccines and mifepristone remain safe and effective, as the Senate Finance Committee advanced Chris Klomp for deputy health secretary.
- Sep 13
Pennsylvania conditions CDC measles assistance on federal recognition of four outbreak deaths
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Debra Bogen warned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that the state will rescind its emergency Epi-Aid request unless federal officials acknowledge four measles-related fatalities recorded in 2026.
- Jul 30
US releases $600 million for Gavi vaccines after mercury-free pledge, cuts WHO from alliance funding
The Trump administration released $600 million in congressionally appropriated funds for Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, after the group agreed to transition away from mercury-containing vaccines. The US also barred the World Health Organization from receiving any of the money.
- Jul 26
US measles cases reach highest level in 35 years as 2026 tally already exceeds 2025 total
More than 2,300 infections have been reported across 45 states so far this year, driven by falling vaccination rates that have left young children disproportionately vulnerable.
- Jul 25
US measles outbreak worst in 35 years as 2026 case count surpasses 2025 total by July
With 2,318 confirmed infections and five months remaining, 2026 becomes the worst year for measles in the United States since 1991, as vaccine hesitancy undercuts decades of progress.
- Jul 25
Trump delivers meandering speech at rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner, attacks journalists
At the Waldorf Astoria, three months after a gunman interrupted the original event, President Trump spoke for over an hour, mixing jokes with attacks on media figures and political rivals.
- Jul 23
FDA advisory panel, stacked with Kennedy appointees, votes to allow compounding of six unapproved peptides
The FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee recommended removing BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, MOTS-c, semax, and epitalon from a banned list, opening the door for compounding pharmacies to produce them despite agency staff warnings about safety and lack of efficacy evidence.
- May 27
US Health Secretary RFK Jr. Goes Viral Handling Snakes Barehanded at Dr. Oz's Florida Home
A video of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. grabbing two black racer snakes with his bare hands at a Florida beach house has gone viral, drawing mixed reactions from wildlife experts and the public.
- May 26
Trump Declares 'Perfect' Health After Walter Reed Checkup Days Before 80th Birthday
President Donald Trump completed a semiannual medical exam at Walter Reed military hospital on Tuesday, declaring all results 'PERFECT' just weeks before his 80th birthday, amid renewed public scrutiny over visible skin and vascular issues.
