RFK Jr. tells anti-vaxxers a friend at the White House amid deadly measles outbreak

United States Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Delivered a high-profile keynote address on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at a Washington, D.C. Conference hosted by Children's Health Defense, an anti-vaccine advocacy group he previously chaired. As the nation grapples with its most severe measles outbreak in decades, Kennedy assured hundreds of attendees that the movement enjoys unwavering support at the highest levels of government.

The address marks Kennedy's first appearance at the organization's conference since assuming his cabinet post, having stepped down from his leadership role prior to his presidential bid. According to reporting by CBS News, Kennedy told the crowd that administration officials have accomplished unprecedented goals over the past nineteen months. In a speech lasting nearly an hour and a half, captured by The Guardian, Kennedy urged patience regarding policy overhauls, noting that systemic legal procedures prevented him from enacting sweeping changes on his first day in office.

Media additions

The conference appearance unfolded against a backdrop of escalating public health concerns. According to The Independent, the nation is enduring its worst year for measles since 1991, with seven measles-associated deaths recorded over the past two years—exceeding the combined total from the previous three decades. Pennsylvania health authorities confirmed four measles-associated deaths this year alone, with none of the victims having received a vaccination, as reported by CBS News. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro strongly condemned Kennedy's refusal to urge vaccinations during the ongoing public health crisis, accusing the HHS secretary via Nine.com.au of playing games with public safety and pushing a narrative that stokes fear and mistrust.

During his address, Kennedy addressed the outbreak only fleetingly, stating that while rare illnesses and deaths receive headlines, he asked the audience to focus on children allegedly injured by routine immunizations. As documented by Jen, Kennedy remarked that he has spent decades fighting these battles and intends to continue as long as he is able. His remarks included unproven claims linking vaccines to conditions such as diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome, and anorexia.

Public health experts and medical associations have expressed deep alarm over the elevation of vaccine-skeptic ideologies within federal agencies. Dr. Fiona Havers, an infectious diseases physician and former leading vaccine expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told ABC News that Children's Health Defense has spread misleading information contributing directly to declining vaccination rates. Havers stated that Kennedy is using his high-ranking position to legitimize anti-vaccine messaging and undercut agency containment efforts.

Political friction has also emerged within Republican ranks. Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician who cast a deciding vote in confirming Kennedy to the cabinet, rebuked the administration's response on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, telling Nine that vaccines are overwhelmingly safe and effective and do not cause autism. Cassidy warned that preventable hospitalisations and deaths would leave a terrible legacy for the administration.

Following Kennedy on stage at the gathering was Andrew Wakefield, the author of a thoroughly discredited and retracted paper linking the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine to autism. Widespread scientific consensus and decades of extensive research have established that no such link exists. Critics such as Shaughnessy Naughton, founder of 314 Action, argued that Kennedy's keynote speech demonstrates a severe lack of seriousness at HHS and called for him to step aside amid the deadly outbreak, as noted by The Independent.

Additional reporting follows ongoing litigation regarding federal vaccine schedules and upcoming policy reviews by medical oversight bodies.