In a significant outcry against President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), over 17,000 doctors have signed an open letter urging the Senate to reject his confirmation.

Circulated by the Committee to Protect Health Care, the letter expresses that Kennedy is not only "unqualified to lead" but also represents an "active danger" to public health. As noted in the letter, "This appointment is a slap in the face to every health care professional," condemning Trump’s choice as a grievous affront to the dedication shown by healthcare professionals nationwide.

Concerns primarily arise from Kennedy's well-documented history of disseminating vaccine misinformation and promoting conspiracy theories regarding public health. For instance, it highlights a past incident in Samoa where Kennedy's anti-vaccine advocacy played a part in a measles outbreak, resulting in 83 deaths, predominantly among young children. The Hill quoted the letter, stating, "RFK Jr. has spent decades undermining public confidence in vaccines, spreading false claims that put vulnerable communities at risk."

Moreover, the physicians criticized Kennedy's lack of experience in healthcare and his controversial comments linking vaccines to autism—a debunked claim he continues to promote. They categorized his nomination as not just a risk, but as “sabotage” to public health that could reverse decades of improvement in health outcomes for Americans.

As Kennedy seeks support in the Senate, many healthcare professionals are mobilizing to reinforce their stance, with calls to action encouraging communications with senators and organizations like the American Medical Association. Without bipartisan support, Kennedy's path to confirmation may become increasingly challenging.

The letter concludes with a decisive statement: "The health and security of our nation depend on qualified leadership at HHS that prioritizes science.” Full details about the letter can also be found in the recent report by The Guardian.