Oregon Sen. Wyden takes aim at Health Secretary Kennedy, calls him ‘a disaster for America’s public health’ as top Democrat launches investigation into alleged lies during confirmation hearing

Oregon – Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden is sharply criticizing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over the nation’s measles outbreak, accusing him of spreading misinformation and failing to protect public health as cases continue to raise concerns across the United States.

In a November 9 post on X, Wyden called Kennedy a “disaster for America’s public health” and said the secretary would have to answer for his handling of the outbreak when Congress returns in January.

“RFK Jr. has been a disaster for America’s public health. He has spread misinformation and overseen the largest measles outbreak in decades. Children are sick and dying because of it. He’s going to answer for it in January,” Wyden wrote.

Oregon Sen. Wyden says RFK Jr. has been ‘a disaster for America’s public health,’ warns health secretary will ‘answer for it’ in January

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden is accusing Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of mishandling the nation’s measles outbreak, blaming his public health leadership for spreading misinformation as thousands of Americans become infected and the United States faces the possible loss of its measles-elimination status.

In a November 9 post on X, Wyden sharply criticized Kennedy, saying the health secretary had overseen the largest measles outbreak in decades and warning that he would face questions about his actions when Congress returns in January.

“RFK Jr. has been a disaster for America’s public health. He has spread misinformation and overseen the largest measles outbreak in decades. Children are sick and dying because of it. He’s going to answer for it in January,” Wyden wrote.

His comments came after POLITICO published a November 8 report examining Kennedy’s role in the growing measles crisis and the possibility that the United States could lose a public health achievement it has maintained since 2000.

According to POLITICO, an international panel of public health experts was preparing to review whether the United States still qualifies as having eliminated measles. The review comes after prolonged outbreaks across several states resulted in thousands of infections since 2025, raising concerns that the virus has once again established sustained transmission in the country. The numbers have continued to climb. Reuters reported on November 6 that the United States had recorded 5,182 measles cases in 2026, the highest annual total in 35 years. The figure was more than double the 2,289 cases reported throughout 2025.

The CDC data showed that approximately 96% of infections this year involved people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. Pennsylvania was among the hardest-hit states, reporting nearly 1,500 cases, while South Carolina and Utah also experienced significant outbreaks. The outbreak has also resulted in hospitalizations and deaths. Investing reported that state health departments had recorded 11 measles-associated deaths since the beginning of 2025, including deaths reported in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and New York.

On November 11, Reuters reported that international health experts were reviewing whether the United States should lose its official measles-elimination status, which it has held since 2000. The decision could mark a significant setback for the country’s public health system, particularly if experts determine that measles transmission has continued uninterrupted for at least 12 months. Public health experts cited by Reuters pointed to declining childhood vaccination rates and growing vaccine hesitancy as major factors behind the resurgence. Kennedy has faced criticism for years over his statements questioning vaccine safety, particularly concerning the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

The Department of Health and Human Services has pushed back against criticism directed at Kennedy, arguing that vaccination rates were already declining before he took office. The department has also pointed to broader challenges involving vaccination coverage and public health outreach. Reuters also reported that CDC Director Erica Schwartz said the agency would continue working with state health departments and emphasizing the importance of the MMR vaccine, even if the United States loses its measles-elimination status. Schwartz said the vaccine remains the primary way to prevent measles infections. Wyden’s warning comes as Democrats prepare to take control of the Senate in January, when he is expected to assume the chairmanship of the Senate Finance Committee. His statement signals that Kennedy’s handling of the outbreak and broader public health policies could face increased congressional scrutiny in the coming months.

For Wyden, the issue is not simply the rising number of infections but the consequences for children and families as the country confronts a disease that had previously been eliminated through decades of vaccination efforts. His warning that Kennedy will “answer for it in January” suggests the senator intends to make the secretary’s public health record a major issue when the new Congress convenes.