A letter submitted to the U.S. Senate in support of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as secretary of Health and Human Services has come under scrutiny for including the names of physicians with revoked, suspended, or disciplined licenses. The letter aimed to bolster Kennedy's nomination, which has faced opposition due to his anti-vaccine activism spanning two decades.
The letter, organized by MAHA Action and submitted by Del Bigtree, included signatures from individuals beyond the medical field, such as a journalist, a certified public accountant, and a firefighter/paramedic. Notably, over 20 chiropractors, who have financially supported Kennedy's anti-vaccine work, signed the letter.
It was revealed that some signatories had faced disciplinary actions from state medical boards or certification bodies. For instance, Dr. Paul Thomas voluntarily surrendered his medical license in 2022 for gross negligence, while Dr. Simone Gold was reprimanded for her conduct during the U.S. Capitol riot in 2021.
Despite the controversy surrounding the signatories, MAHA Action defended the letter, stating it was shared with physicians only. However, questions remain about the verification process of signatories' credentials.
Opponents of Kennedy's nomination countered with a letter signed by over 18,000 verified doctors, emphasizing the importance of vetting signatories to ensure credibility. The Committee to Protect Health Care, which spearheaded the opposition letter, anonymized names to protect signatories from potential harassment.
As Kennedy's nomination continues to face scrutiny, the Senate remains divided on his appointment as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The contrasting letters highlight the complexities surrounding his candidacy and the importance of thorough vetting in such high-stakes appointments.
