Rep. LaMonica McIver blasts RFK Jr. confirmation, accuses him of promoting ‘racist conspiracy theories’
WASHINGTON — Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) sharply criticized the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services on Wednesday, calling him an “unqualified anti-vaxxer” and accusing him of promoting racist conspiracy theories.
“RFK Jr., an unqualified anti-vaxxer and conspiracy theorist, was just confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services,” McIver said in a statement. “He ignores scientific evidence, champions racist conspiracy theories, spreads misinformation, and endangers reproductive rights.”
Kennedy, a longtime critic of vaccines and public health policies, was confirmed with strong support from Senate Republicans. His appointment has been met with backlash from Democratic lawmakers and medical experts who argue his views on vaccines and health policy pose a threat to public safety.
McIver warned that Kennedy’s leadership would “make people sicker, restrict access to life-saving treatment, and backslide medical advancements,” adding that it was “disturbing” that Republicans had backed his nomination.
Kennedy, who ran as an independent in the 2024 presidential election before being appointed by President Trump, has faced criticism for past remarks on public health and race, though he has denied accusations of racism.