Ultra-Processed Foods are Accusingly Labeled as a 'Genocide' on American Indians by RFK Jr. Towards Congress
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), found himself under scrutiny in a legal battle that began in July 2025. Six leading medical organizations and a pregnant physician filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, accusing Kennedy of unlawfully changing COVID-19 vaccine policies without proper procedures and dismissing federal vaccine experts from the advisory committee [1][2][3].
The plaintiffs seek preliminary and permanent injunctions to stop Kennedy's new COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, particularly the removal of vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women, and a declaratory judgment that these changes are unlawful [1][2][3]. They argue that Kennedy acted arbitrarily and capriciously, violated the Administrative Procedure Act by bypassing required rulemaking processes, and undermined established vaccine science and infrastructure [1][3].
Kennedy's actions also include replacing the entire Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccine advisory committee with his own appointees, who have made controversial recommendations such as opposing flu vaccines containing thimerosal despite extensive scientific evidence affirming their safety [3]. The lawsuit contends these actions pose an existential threat to vaccination efforts in the U.S. and promote anti-vaccine rhetoric [3].
As of early August 2025, the lawsuit is active, with no public records indicating a court decision or settlement yet. The plaintiffs' legal counsel stated they would ask the court to halt Kennedy's unilateral vaccine policy changes pending litigation outcomes [2][3]. HHS has not provided a public comment on the suit beyond prior statements about transitioning from the COVID-19 public health emergency phase [2].
Meanwhile, Kennedy has been making headlines for other reasons. During his appearance before the House and Senate committee hearings, he promised to safeguard essential programs like Head Start and those related to tribal health from current or future cuts [4]. However, Kennedy has overseen the planned elimination of 20,000 jobs and over a dozen agencies within HHS, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) [4].
The current outbreaks in the U.S., now over 1,000 cases, are the worst seen stateside since 2019 [5]. Experts caution that measles is on the brink of returning to the U.S. permanently, with millions of measles cases possible over the next 25 years if vaccination rates drop [6]. Millions are already affected worldwide, with many parts of the world facing a resurgence of measles [7].
In a separate issue, Kennedy's stance on vaccines has been a topic of debate. Kennedy has infamously misrepresented the safety of vaccines for decades, and he has continued to state falsehoods about vaccines during his tenure at HHS [8]. Kennedy refused to answer whether he would vaccinate his children against polio and chickenpox, stating that his personal opinion was irrelevant and that he didn't want to be seen as giving medical advice [8].
This reinstatement of the global gag rule, which cuts federal funding to programs overseas that fund, provide, or counsel people about abortions, is another contentious issue associated with Kennedy's leadership at HHS [9]. Kennedy has also stated that every abortion is a tragedy [9].
The ongoing legal challenge against Kennedy and HHS, therefore, raises significant questions about the legality and safety of vaccine policy reversals, the impact on essential health programs, and the future of vaccination efforts in the U.S. The court's decision will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for public health policy.
References: 1. NPR 2. The Washington Post 3. The New York Times 4. The Hill 5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 6. The Lancet 7. World Health Organization 8. Politico 9. The Guardian
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- The New York Times reported on the ongoing controversy surrounding the use of thimerosal in vaccines, focusing on the debate between health officials and anti-vaccine activists.
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- NPR featured discussions on the future direction of science policy under the HHS, particularly in regard to funding for research and development in health, technology, and environmental science.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updates on the ongoing measles outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and implementation of stricter quarantine measures for those exposed to the virus.
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- World Health Organization issued warnings about the resurgence of other infectious diseases like tuberculosis and malaria, citing factors like lack of access to healthcare, insufficient funding, and weakened health infrastructure.
- The Guardian related the impact of global policy changes on women's health-and-wellness, discussing the implications of the reinstatement of the global gag rule and its effect on maternal and reproductive health worldwide.
- The Hill reported on the impacts of Kennedy's policies on essential programs, including those focused on mental-health, nutrition, and research.
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- CNN discussed the ongoing debate over sports-betting and its legalization in more states, citing the potential for increased revenue for cash-strapped states, and the risk of gambling addiction among fans.
