A Turbulent Year for U.S. Public Health

This year has undoubtedly been challenging for public health and science in the United States. A significant portion of the issues can be attributed to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), who has faced numerous scandals related to his anti-vaccine stance.

Since his appointment in February, Kennedy and his supporters have significantly impacted the nation’s public health system. They’ve dismantled parts of the infrastructure, empowered those with questionable medical practices, and diverted resources to support unproven theories, while downplaying genuine health risks.

There are numerous ways in which Kennedy has made America less healthy, but a few of his most glaring missteps from 2025 stand out (at least there are just three more years to go, right?).

Changes in Vaccine Advisory Committees

In June 2025, Kennedy dismissed all members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a CDC group established to inform vaccine policy in the U.S. He subsequently filled the committee with individuals who share his ideology, many of whom have previously misrepresented vaccine safety or benefited from anti-vaccine testimonies.

This new ACIP has bolstered the anti-vaccine movement. Throughout three meetings this year, their recommendations, often lacking evidence, have advocated for removing or loosening several vaccine requirements. Recently, they voted to reverse a long-standing mandate for hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns, a policy that has significantly reduced the disease’s prevalence in the country.

Despite pushback from many doctors and health organizations, this reversal may lead to increased risk of diseases like hepatitis B for children. There are concerns that some members of the ACIP, along with Kennedy and even President Trump, are intent on overhauling the entire childhood vaccination schedule.

The CDC’s Decline

Kennedy’s takeover of the ACIP has also played a role in the CDC’s deterioration. In late August, he orchestrated the firing of former CDC director Susan Monarez, shortly after she took the position. Monarez claimed she was let go for refusing to approve the committee’s recommendations without a proper review, which the CDC must do before adopting any ACIP votes. Following her dismissal, several senior officials at the CDC resigned in protest, feeling they could no longer support Kennedy’s agenda.

Demetre Daskalakis, a former CDC official, stated that federal public health has become compromised, warped by ideology. The CDC now appears to be operating under more of Kennedy’s whims, as evidenced by the acting director’s comments about dismantling the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, a long-sought goal of the anti-vaccine faction.

Undermining Government-Backed Scientific Research

The CDC’s struggles reflect broader issues under Kennedy’s leadership. The current administration has implemented significant job and budget cuts across scientific sectors, especially affecting the National Institutes of Health. They’ve also scrapped billions in federal grants for health departments and researchers, sometimes without a clear understanding of the ramifications.

Many of these cuts stemmed from recommendations by a government efficiency initiative, but Kennedy’s personal beliefs also drove some of the decisions. For example, almost $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine research was revoked on grounds of safety that lack robust evidence. These cuts have had tangible impacts; hundreds of clinical trials involving thousands of patients have been compromised, while many emerging scientists have lost support necessary to advance their research careers.

Rise of Measles Cases

This aversion to vaccines is already yielding dire consequences. In 2025, nearly 2,000 measles cases arose across multiple outbreaks—the highest number seen since the disease’s elimination in the U.S. a generation ago. This trend jeopardizes the country’s official measles-free status, hinging on whether some outbreaks trace back to early cases. Other vaccine-preventable diseases, like pertussis, have also surged.

It’s important to note that while Kennedy’s policies certainly contribute to this regression, the return of measles is a global issue tied to declining vaccination rates. However, his rhetoric and actions fortify anti-vaccine sentiments and hamper access to necessary immunizations. One can only wonder if the CDC would have managed the outbreaks better if it weren’t depleted in staff and funds.

The outlook for 2025 doesn’t suggest a change in course from Kennedy, even with the return of measles looming over public health.

During the year’s outbreaks in Texas, Kennedy reluctantly recommended the MMR vaccine while simultaneously promoting unproven remedies, like cod liver oil. Sadly, some local doctors reported cases of children who overdosed on vitamin A while following such dubious advice.

Controversial Claims about Acetaminophen

In September, Trump and Kennedy made a startling announcement linking the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy to autism. While the government’s position was more cautious, Trump was emphatic, urging pregnant women to avoid the drug. The reality is, the evidence tying acetaminophen to autism is remarkably weak, with numerous studies failing to substantiate any connection. Despite this, health agencies worldwide continue to endorse the drug as a safe option for pain relief in pregnancy.

Nevertheless, the Trump administration has pressed on with its agenda to point fingers at acetaminophen—and possibly vaccines—while seeking more data to validate their claims. Kennedy admitted that they are still working on the science.

Misguided Focus and False Solutions

The acetaminophen and autism controversy exemplifies some of the frustrating aspects of Kennedy’s approach. He often evokes bizarre theories, like those about chemtrails, yet fails to address real issues with practical solutions. For instance, while promoting acetaminophen as a potential issue, his administration has cut funding for research into other significant factors impacting childhood disorders.

Recently, Kennedy announced plans for a study that would explore links between mass shootings and SSRIs, despite a lack of evidence supporting such claims. While mass shootings pose a pressing public health issue, this type of research could detract from more relevant investigations into concrete risks.

Furthermore, Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again Initiative” has paraded superficial victories, such as encouraging Coca-Cola to offer more cane sugar products, as if cane sugar is any less harmful than high-fructose corn syrup. Since they aren’t fully replacing the original recipe, this initiative might inadvertently increase soda consumption overall.

Numerous real public health challenges exist today, but Kennedy’s track record provides little hope that he will effectively confront these issues. Ultimately, the fallout will likely affect all of us.