RFK Jr misled Senate during confirmation, Congress members and Hawaii governor say

The Guardian - World NewsEN 5 min read 100% complete by Michelle R SmithFebruary 9, 2026 at 06:23 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is accused of misleading the Senate during his confirmation hearings regarding a 2019 trip to Samoa. Newly revealed emails contradict Kennedy's testimony that the trip, which occurred before a deadly measles outbreak, had "nothing to do with vaccines." Members of Congress and the governor of Hawaii allege the emails show Kennedy's visit was related to vaccine safety concerns, bolstering anti-vaccine sentiment in Samoa prior to the outbreak that killed 83 people. Lawmakers are calling for Kennedy's removal, citing false statements to Congress and concerns about his influence on federal vaccine policies. One representative has already introduced articles of impeachment against Kennedy.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Michigan 30% UN 35% Massachusetts 35% Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 40% Haley Stevens ×240% Guardian ×250% Department of Health and Human Services 50% Associated Press ×250% Ed Markey ×360% United States ×270% Samoa ×370% Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ×995%

Keywords

rfk jr 100% misleading congress 90% vaccine safety 80% anti-vaccine 80% senate confirmation hearings 70% measles outbreak 70% samoa trip 60% public health 50% impeachment 40%