Internal emails show how RFK Jr.’s team sought to sway the CDC

The release of a trove of internal emails sheds light on the CDC’s handling of controversial public health decisions during President Trump’s second term. The emails reveal instances where pressure from Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his team influenced CDC actions.

One email from early 2025 shows HHS requesting the CDC to halt a flu vaccine advertising campaign. The request, coming directly from Secretary Kennedy, aimed to focus on “informed consent” messaging. Despite concerns about reputational risk and legal issues, the CDC complied with the request to pause certain ad campaigns.

Kennedy also made headlines by replacing all 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP). His move to install individuals aligned with his agenda caused controversy, with critics questioning the politicization of vaccine recommendations. A federal judge later ruled the changes at ACIP unlawful.

In August of last year, a senior HHS aide emphasized the need for political review of major policy decisions at the CDC. This directive ultimately led to the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez, who had been pressured by Kennedy to resign or face termination. Monarez’s dismissal coincided with the resignations of other top CDC officials.

Monarez later testified that Kennedy pressured her to agree to changes in the childhood vaccination schedule and to fire CDC scientists. The CDC subsequently reduced the number of recommended childhood immunizations, a decision met with criticism from health groups. HHS denied Monarez’s allegations, accusing her of insubordination.

Kennedy refuted Monarez’s claims, stating he asked her to resign because she was not trustworthy. The controversy surrounding Kennedy’s actions and the CDC’s decisions highlight the intersection of politics and public health.

Contributors to this report include Dr. Céline Gounder and Daniel Gilbert.