RFK Jr blames migrants for measles and other diseases in the US: 'It has nothing to do with me' [View all]

Source: The Independent

Wednesday 22 April 2026 13:20 EDT


Robert F Kennedy Jr has dismissed any suggestion that his vaccine skepticism has contributed to measles outbreaks across the U.S., instead placing the blame on immigrants. “It has nothing to do with me,” the Health Secretary told lawmakers at a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday, in which he was questioned on his department’s budget for 2027.

“If you’re worried about polio and tuberculosis, you should look at the immigration policies in this country. ’Cause the place where it’s occurring are the place[s] where the immigrants are going, because they’re not vaccinated.”. In a statement shared withThe Independent, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services said: “This is taken out of context completely.

“Current outbreaks are largely concentrated in close-knit, under-vaccinated communities with prevalent international travel that raises the risk of measles importation. Measles is a global challenge, and the United States continues to have a lower overall measles burden than Canada (which in November 2025 lost its measles elimination status), Mexico, and much of Europe.”

Since assuming the position of Health Secretary, Kennedy has enacted several changes that are more in line with his own views on vaccines. In June 2025, he fired all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, replacing them with vaccine skeptics and individuals who have criticized mainstream medical guidance.

Read more: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/rfk-jr-measles-immigrants-b2962920.html