A letter supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services has stirred controversy in the medical community. Submitted to the U.S. Senate, the letter garnered nearly 800 signatures from various healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and physician's assistants. However, the inclusion of several signatories with histories of professional misconduct has raised eyebrows.
The letter, organized by Maha Action—a group led by Del Bigtree, a prominent anti-vaccine activist—claims to "reflect the collective voice of physicians and medical professionals." Among the signatories are at least ten doctors who have faced disciplinary actions from state medical boards. This includes two individuals whose licenses have been revoked or suspended and another who is currently on probation.
Bigtree, known for his long-standing opposition to vaccines, previously worked on Kennedy's presidential campaign. His organization aims to bolster Kennedy's nomination, which has encountered significant resistance from established medical experts due to Kennedy's controversial stance on vaccinations.
Kennedy's nomination has been met with fierce opposition from critics. They argue that his anti-vaccine activism undermines public health initiatives. In response, opponents submitted their own letter bearing signatures from over 18,000 "vetted and verified" medical professionals. This stark contrast highlights the divide within the healthcare community regarding Kennedy's candidacy.
The support letter also saw signatures from a diverse group of individuals beyond the healthcare sector. Among them were a self-described journalist, a certified public accountant, a firefighter/paramedic, a certified health coach, and a person with a degree in Jungian psychology. Notably, at least 75 nurses and physician's assistants also lent their names to the document.
Kennedy's controversial ties extend to his anti-vaccine non-profit, which in 2019 received a notable portion of its funding from a chiropractic group—representing one-sixth of its total revenue. This connection raises questions regarding the motivations behind his nomination and the implications for public health policy.
In a statement supporting Kennedy's nomination, one of the letter's signers, Dr. Gold, remarked on Kennedy's character and expertise:
"Robert F Kennedy Jr is an honorable and honest person with vast subject matter knowledge and experience who values the health of the American people, and furthermore because he is willing to challenge corporate interests where they conflict with the best interests of those citizens."
The phrase "Make America Healthy Again," which the name "Maha" represents, underscores the group's intent to present an alternative vision for health policy under Kennedy's potential leadership.
However, skepticism regarding the credibility of the signatories looms large. Notably, one signatory, Dr. Paul Thomas, voluntarily surrendered his medical license in 2022 following findings of gross negligence by Oregon's medical board. His inclusion in the letter raises concerns about the qualifications of those advocating for Kennedy.
Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, expressed optimism regarding Kennedy's confirmation process. He stated that the administration looks forward to a swift confirmation by the Senate.
The controversy surrounding this support letter emphasizes a growing rift in public health discourse. With Kennedy at the center of this debate, stakeholders in both the healthcare industry and the general public await further developments as the Senate deliberates his nomination.