RFK Jr. refuses to back CDC director on evidence-based vaccine policy

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declined to commit to supporting evidence-based vaccine guidance from incoming CDC director nominee Erica Schwartz during a House Energy and Commerce hearing. Pressed by Rep. Raul Ruiz on whether he would implement Schwartz’s vaccine recommendations without interference, Kennedy refused — signaling the same pattern that led to the ousting of her predecessor, Susan Monarez, after just 29 days for refusing to rubber-stamp recommendations from Kennedy’s anti-vaccine advisors.

Schwartz, a respected physician and former public health official with a track record of championing vaccines, was viewed by outside experts as an uncontroversial pick, though concerns remain about her ability to operate independently under Kennedy, who holds no medical or scientific credentials. The nomination requires Senate confirmation.

The hearing coincided with reports that Kennedy’s political appointees have discarded scientific data conflicting with his anti-vaccine positions. Together, the developments undercut White House claims that the administration has reined in Kennedy’s agenda, and suggest federal vaccine policy will continue to be shaped by political override rather than agency science.