Amna Nawaz
@PBSNewsHour·5.3M subscribers·62.2K videos
WATCH: Sen. Lujan and RFK Jr. argue over vaccine misinformation
Posted
April 22, 2026
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April 22, 2026
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3:46Now PlayingSen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., questioned Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about his history of vaccine misinformation on Wednesday in a hearing on President Donald Trump’s 2027 budget request.
Luján said he had a list of statements where Kennedy, a former anti-vaccine activist, promoted vaccine misinformation.
“Tell me one piece of misinformation I’ve ever said,” Kennedy said. “One statement. Just one.” He then accused Luján of “inventing stuff.”
Luján also asked Kennedy how he planned to reduce the number of measles cases and improve the MMR vaccination rate. Kennedy said they promote that vaccine.
“I’m real curious if you’re going to include funding a coordinated vaccine education and distribution campaign, for example, countering misinformation about measles and the MMR vaccine,” Luján said.
Kennedy has promoted the vaccine to combat the continued simmering measles outbreak that may cost the U.S. its “eliminated” status. But in an HHS statement, he also said “the decision to vaccinate is a personal one” and said good nutrition is the best defense against most chronic and infectious diseases.
Kennedy appeared Wednesday before the Senate Committee on Finance. Kennedy was expected to face questioning about his controversial changes to vaccine policy, as well as new dietary guidelines and proposed Medicaid cuts. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, a physician, committee member and influential chair of the Senate Health Committee, will have opportunities in two hearings Wednesday to press Kennedy, whose approach to vaccines he’s criticized in the past.
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