Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Follow the latest Robert F. Kennedy Jr. news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
May 22, 2025 at 9:11 PM

White House releases RFK Jr.-led report on chronic disease

RFK Jr.'s MAHA report blames chronic illnesses on ultra-processed foods, chemicals and sedentary behavior among children. It also says childhood vaccines need more study.
May 22, 2025 at 9:11 PM
President Donald Trump and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon listen as Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks at a Make America Healthy Again Commission event at the White House in Washington, May 22, 2025.
May 15, 2025 at 1:43 PM

RFK Jr. grilled on Capitol Hill over health policies and vaccines

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. answered questions before a House committee on Wednesday, saying, "I don't think people should be taking medical advice from me."
May 15, 2025 at 1:43 PM
VIDEO: RFK Jr. grilled on Capitol Hill over health policies and vaccines
May 15, 2025 at 11:36 AM

RFK Jr. says people should not take medical advice from him during House hearing

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to testify before two congressional committees on Wednesday.
May 15, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before a House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 14, 2025.
May 15, 2025 at 10:55 AM

RFK Jr. says people shouldn't take medical advice from him

During a congressional hearing, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said people shouldn't be taking medical advice from him, and was grilled by both parties on topics including vaccines and DOGE cuts.
May 15, 2025 at 10:55 AM
VIDEO: RFK Jr. says people shouldn't take medical advice from him
May 14, 2025 at 7:19 PM

RFK Jr. says people should not take medical advice from him during House hearing

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the massive cuts to the department's workforce and laid out his priorities for the Trump administration's proposed budget.
May 14, 2025 at 7:19 PM
RFK Jr. says people should not take medical advice from him during House hearing
May 14, 2025 at 4:16 PM

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. submerges in creek with high bacteria levels, including E. coli

RFK Jr. shared photos of himself swimming in Washington, D.C.'s, Rock Creek.
May 14, 2025 at 4:16 PM
VIDEO: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. submerges in creek with high bacteria levels, including E. coli
May 13, 2025 at 5:40 PM

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. submerges in creek with high bacteria levels, including E. coli

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared photos of himself and his family at Washington, D.C.'s Rock Creek on Sunday.
May 13, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference about prescription drug prices at the White House on May 12, 2025, in Washington.
May 10, 2025 at 2:06 PM

Trump picks Dr. Casey Means for US surgeon general. Here's what you need to know

Earlier this week, Trump announced his pick for U.S. surgeon general, Dr. Casey Means. Here's what we know about her background and where she stands on health issues.
May 10, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Dr. Casey Means, a wellness influencer, attends a confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the Secretary of Health and Human Services post, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 29, 2025.
May 9, 2025 at 4:51 PM

FDA approves, expands 3 natural food colors after HHS plan to remove artificial dyes

The FDA approved two natural food dyes and expanded approval of a third on Friday in line with HHS’ goal to eliminate artificial food dyes.
May 9, 2025 at 4:51 PM
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration campus in Silver Spring, Md., is photographed on Oct. 14, 2015.
May 7, 2025 at 9:44 PM

RFK Jr. warned that HHS cuts could hurt Indian Health Service

Senators sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warning him that cuts to the agency could severely impact the Indian Health Service.
May 7, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks while joining President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on May 05, 2025 in Washington, DC.
May 3, 2025 at 12:51 AM

RFK Jr. unveils 'radical' change to vaccine testing

A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson called the move "a radical departure from past practices."
May 3, 2025 at 12:51 AM
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference on the FDA's intent to phase out the use of petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the nation's food supply, in Washington, April 22, 2025.
April 29, 2025 at 10:15 AM

'Completely unprecedented': Trump officials are 'attacking' science, experts say

Doctors and public health specialists say they view the administration's actions, such as firings or questioning established research, as an "attack" on science.
April 29, 2025 at 10:15 AM
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office at the White House on April 24, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
1 month ago

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary on RFK Jr.’s push to ban food dyes

ABC News’ Juju Chang speaks with Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary on the FDA’s plan to remove artificial dyes from food and mass layoffs under Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
1 month ago
VIDEO: FDA Commissioner Marty Makary on RFK Jr.’s push to ban food dyes
1 month ago

RFK Jr. wants to phase out synthetic food dyes, alleging harm. Experts weigh in

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert. F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled a plan on Tuesday to start phasing out eight synthetic food dyes. Are they unsafe? Experts weigh in.
1 month ago
Stock photo of a colorful assortment of candies.
1 month ago

Health Secretary RFK Jr. says 'sugar is poison'

ABC News Medical Contributor Dr. Alok Patel reacts to comments by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling sugar 'poison.'
1 month ago
VIDEO: Health Secretary RFK Jr. says 'sugar is poison'
1 month ago

RFK Jr. reveals plan to phase out petroleum-based food dyes by end of 2026

The eight petroleum-based dyes are found in thousands of products from candy to cereal to medication.
1 month ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. reveals plan to phase out petroleum-based food dyes by end of 2026
1 month ago

RFK Jr. moves to phase out food dyes

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. proposed on Tuesday to eliminate eight petroleum-based dyes from America’s food supply by next year.
1 month ago
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. proposed on Tuesday to eliminate eight petroleum-based dyes from America’s food supply by next year.
1 month ago

RFK Jr. unveils plan to phase out 8 artificial food dyes in the US

The Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration announced on Tuesday a series of measures to phase out eight artificial food dyes.
1 month ago
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. looks on during a press conference on April 7, 2025, in Salt Lake City.
1 month ago

RFK Jr. moves to eliminate certain dyes in food

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to urge food manufacturers to phase out the use of eight dyes in the nation's food supply.
1 month ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. moves to eliminate certain dyes in food
1 month ago

RFK Jr.'s remarks about autism draw reactions from parents and experts

Dr. Jessica Shepherd, chief medical officer for Hers, joins ABC News Live to discuss RFK Jr.'s comments about autism and measles cases across the U.S.
1 month ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr.'s remarks about autism draw reactions from parents and experts
1 month ago

RFK Jr.'s comments on autism draw reactions from parents and experts

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing growing criticism from parents and advocates who say his recent comments on autism were misguided.
1 month ago
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference at the Department of Health and Human Services, April 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
1 month ago

RFK Jr. contradicts experts on rise of autism rates in America

The HHS secretary argued against experts in medicine who say that the increase diagnoses is largely because parents and doctors are getting better at recognizing the disorder.
1 month ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. contradicts experts on rise of autism rates in America
1 month ago

RFK Jr. contradicts experts on rise of autism diagnoses

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he was determined to find the "environmental exposures" behind the rise of autism diagnoses.
1 month ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. contradicts experts on rise of autism diagnoses
1 month ago

RFK Jr. lays out new studies on autism, shuts down 'better diagnoses' as a cause

Kennedy has prioritized autism as one of the chronic illnesses he’s determined to tackle in his aim to “Make America Healthy Again."
1 month ago
Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference at the Department of Health and Human Services, April 16, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
1 month ago

Autism advocate on RFK Jr.’s promised autism study

Colin Killick, executive director of the Autism Self Advocacy Network, joins ABC News Live to discuss how HHS Secretary RFK Jr.’s comments about autistic people impact the community.
1 month ago
VIDEO:
1 month ago

HHS Sec. RFK Jr. outlines the findings from a new CDC report on autism diagnoses

Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. outlined the findings of a new survey from the CDC which found that autism diagnoses are continuing to increase in the U.S.
1 month ago
Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. outlined the findings of a new survey from the CDC which found that autism diagnoses are continuing to increase in the U.S.
1 month ago

RFK Jr. continues to be dogged by impacts of HHS cuts

Despite widespread HHS cuts, RFK Jr. continues to say critical programs are protected.
1 month ago
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visits the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah, April 7, 2025.
1 month ago

RFK Jr. pledges an answer to the 'autism epidemic' by September

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting that, by September, his agency will "know what has caused the autism epidemic."
1 month ago
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum attend a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., April 10, 2025.
1 month ago

RFK Jr. pledges answer to 'autism epidemic' by September

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting that, by September, his agency will "know what has caused the autism epidemic."
1 month ago
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting that, by September, his agency will "know what has caused the autism epidemic."
1 month ago

RFK Jr. talks measles, pledges an answer to the 'autism epidemic' by September

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting that, by September, his agency will "know what has caused the autism epidemic."
1 month ago
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting that, by September, his agency will "know what has caused the autism epidemic."
1 month ago

RFK Jr. praises measles response in Texas, US by making comparison to Europe

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the measles response in Texas and the U.S., saying it's a "model for the rest of the world." But the comparison to Europe is an unfair one.
1 month ago
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a press conference while visiting the Osher Center for Integrative Health at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah, April 7, 2025.
1 month ago

RFK Jr. claims curve is flattening in Texas measles outbreak, but experts disagree

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the curve is flattening in the measles outbreak in Texas. Public health experts say that's not what the data shows.
1 month ago
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the curve is flattening in the measles outbreak in Texas. Public health experts say that's not what the data shows.
1 month ago

Public health officials disagree with health secretary's claims on measles outbreak

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the curve is flattening in the measles outbreak in Texas. Public health experts say that's not what the data shows.
1 month ago
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., right, arrives at Reinlander Mennonite Church after a second measles death, April 6, 2025, in Seminole, Texas.
1 month ago

RFK Jr. proposes changes to fluoride guidelines

ABC News' Dr. Tara Narula discusses Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s plan to advise the CDC to stop recommending fluoride in drinking water and examines the benefits of water fluoridation.
1 month ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. proposes changes to fluoride guidelines
2 months ago

Some HHS workers were mistakenly fired: RFK Jr.

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. admitted some 2,000 workers were mistakenly fired.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Some HHS workers were mistakenly fired: RFK Jr.
2 months ago

'Americans are getting sicker,' according to RFK Jr. Here's what the data shows.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said a restructure is needed at HHS due to Americans "getting sicker." But are they? Here's what the data shows.
2 months ago
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. arrives before President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House, April 2, 2025, in Washington.
2 months ago

RFK Jr. announces HHS reinstating some programs, employees cut by mistake

On the heels of terminating 10,000 jobs from the HHS, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told ABC News some programs would soon be reinstated because they were mistakenly cut.
2 months ago
On the heels of terminating 10,000 jobs from the HHS, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told ABC News some programs would soon be reinstated because they were mistakenly cut.
2 months ago

FDA vaccine chief steps down

ABC's Jay O'Brien reports on the resignation of the Food and Drug Administration’s top vaccine official, Peter Marks.
2 months ago
VIDEO: FDA vaccine chief steps down
2 months ago

RFK Jr.'s statements 'don’t match up with fact': Ex-CDC communications director

Kevin Griffis, former CDC communications director, discusses why he left his job with the The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
2 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr.'s statements 'don’t match up with fact': Ex-CDC communications director
2 months ago

HHS to cut about 10,000 full-time employees

The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed on Thursday that about 10,000 full-time employees will soon lose their jobs.
2 months ago
The Department of Health and Human Services building is seen in Washington, April 5, 2009.
2 months ago

RFK Jr. has made several claims about measles. Here's what the science says

RFK Jr. has claimed measles can be treated with vitamin A and that severe infection is linked to poor diet. But many experts who spoke with ABC News disagreed.
2 months ago
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 30, 2025.
2 months ago

Measles cases grow as RFK Jr. makes controversial claims about treatment

Plus, why the FDA has recalled certain skincare products and a new report that children should avoid slushies.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Measles cases grow as RFK Jr. makes controversial claims about treatment
2 months ago

Debunking RFK Jr.'s measles claims

RFK Jr. has claimed measles can be treated with vitamin A and that severe infection is linked to poor diet. But many experts who spoke with ABC News disagreed.
2 months ago
Debunking RFK Jr.'s measles claims
2 months ago

White House pulls CDC nominee because they didn’t have the votes: Sources

Minutes before his confirmation hearing, the White House pulled David Weldon's nomination to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
2 months ago
Former Congressman Dr. David Weldon speaks in The Villages, Fla., on May 31, 2012.
2 months ago

RFK Jr. makes 1st step in completing campaign promise

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told food industry leaders in a closed-door meeting he wants them to remove artificial color dyes from their products by the end his time in office.
2 months ago
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 30, 2025.
3 months ago

5 takeaways after RFK Jr. is grilled by senators during confirmation hearings

The takeaways after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced questions from senators during his confirmation hearings to potentially lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
3 months ago
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's choice to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, appears before the Senate Finance Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 29, 2025.
3 months ago

RFK Jr. guidance on measles is ‘internally contradictory’: Pediatrician

Dr. Paul Offit responds to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who stopped short of calling for vaccines amid the measles outbreak.
3 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. guidance on measles is ‘internally contradictory’: Pediatrician
3 months ago

Some experts question RFK Jr. calling measles outbreak 'not unusual'

Public health experts are questioning RFK Jr's comments after he said the Texas measles outbreak was "not unusual."
3 months ago
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivers remarks during a Cabinet meeting held by President Donald Trump at the White House, Feb. 26, 2025 in Washington
3 months ago

Trump claims SSRIs and weight loss drugs may be a 'threat' to children. Are they?

President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said they will be studying the "threat" to children posed by antidepressants and obesity medications.
3 months ago
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. President Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, testifies during his Senate Finance Committee, Jan. 29, 2025.
3 months ago

RFK Jr. says he will 'investigate' childhood vaccine schedule, antidepressants

Board certified psychiatrist Dr. Sasha Hamdani reacts to the comments Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made to a room packed with federal health workers on Tuesday.
3 months ago
VIDEO: RFK Jr. says he will 'investigate' childhood vaccine schedule, antidepressants