RFK Jr. blames measles outbreak on Anthony Fauci

Key Points:

• Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known vaccine skeptic, attributed the current measles outbreaks in the U.S. to reduced vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing Dr. Anthony Fauci's diary to support his claim despite criticizing Fauci's pandemic response.
• The U.S. has reported 4,410 confirmed measles cases this year as of October 15, marking the worst outbreak since 1991, with Pennsylvania recording four measles deaths, including two infants.
• Kennedy asserted that his administration has managed the outbreak better than other countries, comparing U.S. cases to higher numbers in Mexico, Canada, and Europe relative to their populations.
• He criticized Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro for initially refusing CDC assistance to control the outbreak, accusing the state of politicizing the crisis, though Shapiro agreed to accept aid if all deaths were officially recognized.
• Kennedy's comments drew criticism from medical experts and commentators who highlighted his history of vaccine skepticism and questioned blaming Fauci for vaccination declines during the pandemic.