Dr. Jeffrey Singer Statement on Nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS Secretary

In a recent statement, Dr. Jeffrey Singer, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and a general surgeon for more than 35 years, has shared his thoughts about RFK Jr.‘s nomination for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“I am concerned that many of RFK Jr.‘s claims about vaccine safety, environmental toxins, and food additives lack evidence, have stoked public fears, and contributed to a decline in childhood vaccination rates. His calls to ban pharmaceutical advertising violate the First Amendment right to freely share and exchange information, including scientific information, and infringe on the individual right to self-medicate. However, he is right to criticize the FDA’s politicized drug approval process, its foot-dragging in approving psychedelics, and its regulatory capture. And I agree with him that we must urgently reevaluate the mission, structure, and politicization of the public health system. I would add that mission creep has drawn public health agencies into areas better left to adults consulting their chosen professionals. The Cato Institute has published extensive scholarship on FDA and public health agency reform, and RFK Jr.‘s interest could create new opportunities for these ideas to gain attention.”

If you would like to speak with Dr. Singer regarding this statement, please feel free to reach out.