RFK Jr COVID Vaccine Claims Spark Senate Fact-Check Debate

RFK Jr COVID vaccine claims face Senate scrutiny. Fact-checks reveal misleading statements on vaccine access, antidepressants, and public health policies. During a contentious Senate Finance Committee hearing, United States Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense questioning over his past remarks on COVID-19 vaccines, antidepressants, and public health policies. The hearing highlighted several controversial claims and responses that require careful fact-checking.

Senate Clash Over COVID-19 Death Toll

Senator Mark Warner asked Kennedy whether he accepted that over one million Americans had died from COVID-19. Kennedy admitted he was unsure of the exact number, citing “data chaos” from the CDC.

Fact Check: According to multiple CDC reports and independent statistical analyses, more than 1 million Americans have died due to COVID-19. While comorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease were common among fatalities, research confirms the virus was the primary cause of death in these cases.

Kennedy’s Position on Operation Warp Speed

When asked if former President Donald Trump deserved recognition for Operation Warp Speed, Kennedy praised the initiative, calling it “genius” for rapidly producing vaccines matched to the virus.

Fact Check: Kennedy’s previous statements criticized COVID-19 vaccines, including calling mRNA vaccines the “deadliest vaccine ever made” in 2021. However, Operation Warp Speed indeed accelerated vaccine development, which contributed to a significant reduction in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality.

Vaccine Access Controversy

Senator Maggie Hassan challenged Kennedy on limiting vaccine availability. Kennedy claimed, “Everybody can get the vaccine,” denying any restrictions.

Fact Check: While the updated 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine is primarily recommended for individuals over 65 or those with high-risk conditions, others can still receive it via a doctor’s prescription (“off-label”), making access more complicated but not prohibited.

Antidepressants and Violent Crime

Senator Tina Smith questioned Kennedy about his claims linking antidepressants to violent incidents, including a recent school shooting in Minnesota. Kennedy denied making direct claims about antidepressants causing the shooting.

Fact Check: Psychiatry experts state there is no causal link between antidepressants (SSRIs) and violent behavior. Roughly 11% of U.S. adults use these medications, and if there were a direct connection, incidents of violence would be far more widespread.

Hiring of Vaccine Skeptic David Geier

Kennedy faced scrutiny over hiring David Geier, a known vaccine critic, to access the Vaccine Safety Datalink. Kennedy described the role as observational rather than conducting an autism study.

Fact Check: Autism diagnoses have increased due to changes in diagnostic criteria and awareness, not due to vaccines. Leading autism researchers confirm there is no proven causal link between vaccines and autism.

CDC Atlanta Shooting

Senator Raphael Warnock questioned Kennedy about visiting the CDC campus following the August 8 shooting. Kennedy initially denied visiting before the shooting but later did visit the empty campus.

Fact Check: The shooter, Patrick Joseph White, had documented mental health issues and distrusted COVID-19 vaccines. Officials confirmed his motives were personal and mental health-related, not connected to HHS policy.

Vaccine Panel Conflicts of Interest

Kennedy claimed that 97% of CDC Advisory Committee members had conflicts of interest, which Senator Bill Cassidy corrected to 6.9%.

Fact Check: Members of CDC vaccine advisory panels are required to disclose conflicts of interest and abstain from votes if relevant. Research shows conflicts of interest in the ACIP fell to just 5% in 2024.

School Closure Claims

Kennedy stated that the CDC allowed teachers’ unions to “write the order to close schools” during the pandemic.

Fact Check: The CDC consulted multiple stakeholders, including teachers’ unions, before issuing school reopening guidance. However, unions did not author or mandate school closures. The process involved collaborative feedback and was ultimately the CDC’s decision.

Fluoride in Drinking Water

Kennedy criticized fluoridated water, linking it to health risks and cancer.

Fact Check: Scientific evidence supports that fluoride in U.S. drinking water at recommended levels (0.7 mg/L) is safe and effectively prevents cavities. Health risks are associated with much higher levels of exposure than what is used in public water systems.

Conclusion

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Senate testimony highlighted ongoing debates over COVID-19 policies, vaccine safety, and public health communication. Fact-checking reveals that many of his claims were either misleading or lacked scientific support. Public health decisions must rely on evidence-based guidance to maintain safety, trust, and accessibility for all Americans.