Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday, labeling his proposed health policies as dangerous and “crazy.” She expressed concern that Kennedy’s views would lead to a regression in public health, reminiscing about times when lack of vaccinations put lives at risk.
Clinton’s remarks came during Kennedy’s appearance on MSNBC, emphasizing a return to unsafe practices associated with unvaccinated populations. Her statement follows the departure of key public health figures from the CDC, coinciding with Kennedy’s initiative to alter childhood vaccination schedules.
On Monday, while supporting President Trump, Kennedy suggested a controversial connection between autism in children and pregnant women using Tylenol, a claim lacking substantial research backing.
“Too many Americans are absorbing this anti-scientific rhetoric from the current administration,” Clinton remarked. “It could cost lives.”
She added, “Life is already on the line.”
Just three weeks prior, officials in Florida announced plans to eliminate vaccine requirements for schools. Earlier this year, measles cases were reported in certain areas of Texas, a disease that had been effectively eradicated in the US since 2000 through vaccination efforts.
However, CDC data from July indicated a troubling rise in measles cases, with over 1,288 confirmed instances across 38 states and the District of Columbia in 2025, leading to three reported deaths—the highest numbers since 1992.
Experts suggest this year’s outbreak may reveal even greater levels of underreporting. Demetre C. Daskarakis, a former director with the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, accused the Trump administration of manipulating public health messaging.
“Public health science from the CDC should remain free from political influence. Vaccines are irrefutably life-saving,” he stated.
According to Houry, the recent measles incidents and ongoing attacks on public health institutions highlight the dangers of exaggerated risks and misinformation.
