Fact Check: "Kennedy fired 17 previous ACIP members over alleged conflicts of interest."
What We Know
On June 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. had removed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This committee advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on vaccine safety and efficacy. Kennedy stated that this action was necessary to restore public trust in vaccine science, claiming that the previous members had conflicts of interest that compromised their impartiality (HHS Press Release).
Kennedy emphasized that the new appointments would prioritize unbiased science and transparency, aiming to distance the committee from any perceived industry influence. He noted that the previous members were appointed during the Biden administration, with many of them taking office in 2024, which would have limited the current administration's ability to appoint a majority until 2028 (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Kennedy fired 17 previous ACIP members is substantiated by multiple sources. The HHS press release explicitly states that all 17 sitting members were removed as part of a strategy to restore public trust in vaccine recommendations (HHS Press Release). This is corroborated by reports from major news outlets, including the Associated Press and NPR, which confirm that Kennedy's decision was framed as a necessary step to address alleged conflicts of interest among the former members (AP News, NPR).
However, the reliability of Kennedy's claims regarding conflicts of interest has been challenged. Critics, including former CDC officials and public health advocates, argue that the existing ACIP members were already subject to strict conflict-of-interest regulations and that Kennedy's actions may politicize the committee, undermining public trust rather than restoring it (AP News, New York Times). For instance, Dr. Tom Frieden, a former CDC director, described Kennedy's actions as dangerous and based on false claims of conflicts of interest (AP News).
While Kennedy's assertion about the need for a "clean sweep" to reestablish confidence in vaccine science is a central theme in his justification, the broader implications of his actions have sparked significant debate within the public health community. Critics argue that such drastic measures could weaken the integrity of vaccine recommendations and public health policy (BBC, Reuters).
Conclusion
The claim that "Kennedy fired 17 previous ACIP members over alleged conflicts of interest" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that all 17 members were indeed removed by Secretary Kennedy as part of a strategy to address perceived conflicts and restore public trust in vaccine recommendations. However, the motivations and implications of this action remain contentious, with significant criticism regarding the potential politicization of the advisory committee.
Sources
- HHS Takes Bold Step to Restore Public Trust in Vaccines ...
- RFK Jr. ousts ACIP group that advises CDC on vaccines | AP News
- RFK Jr. boots all members of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee
- Kennedy Removes All C.D.C. Vaccine Panel Experts
- RFK Jr fires entire US vaccine committee - BBC
- Fired members say Kennedy's vaccine panel shake-up ...
- RFK Jr. removes all 17 members of CDC's vaccine advisory committee
