RFK Jr. in interview with Scripps News: 'Trusting the experts is not science'

Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 14:55 GMT by WPTV-TV
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HHS Secretary RFK Jr. sat down with Scripps News for a wide-ranging interview, discussing mRNA vaccine funding policy changes and a recent shooting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

RFK Jr. Challenges Blind Trust in Experts During Scripps News Interview

In a wide-ranging interview with Scripps News, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the environmental activist and independent presidential candidate, emphasized a core principle of his worldview: that blindly trusting experts does not equate to practicing real science. Kennedy, often a controversial figure due to his outspoken views on vaccines, public health policies, and corporate influence in medicine, argued that true scientific inquiry demands skepticism, debate, and rigorous examination of evidence. He positioned himself as a defender of open discourse, critiquing what he sees as an overreliance on authoritative figures in government and industry, which he believes stifles innovation and public health.

Kennedy began by drawing on historical examples to illustrate his point. He referenced times when established experts were proven wrong, such as the long-held medical consensus on certain treatments that later turned out to be harmful. "Trusting the experts is not science," Kennedy stated emphatically, "it's religion." He elaborated that science thrives on questioning assumptions, testing hypotheses, and allowing dissenting voices to challenge the status quo. In his view, the modern landscape—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—has seen a dangerous shift where dissenting opinions are marginalized or censored, leading to what he describes as a form of authoritarian control over information.

A significant portion of the interview focused on Kennedy's criticisms of vaccine policies. He reiterated his stance that he is not anti-vaccine but rather pro-safety and pro-transparency. Kennedy claimed that the rapid rollout of COVID-19 vaccines bypassed adequate long-term safety testing and that adverse effects have been underreported or dismissed by health authorities. He pointed to data from sources like the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), arguing that it shows patterns of harm that warrant further investigation. "We've seen an explosion in chronic diseases," Kennedy said, linking this to what he perceives as over-vaccination and environmental toxins. He accused pharmaceutical companies of exerting undue influence over regulatory bodies like the FDA and CDC, suggesting that profit motives often overshadow public welfare.

Kennedy also touched on broader health issues, including the role of processed foods, pesticides, and environmental pollutants in America's health crisis. As the founder of Children's Health Defense, he highlighted statistics on rising rates of autism, allergies, and autoimmune disorders among children, attributing these to a combination of factors including vaccine ingredients and chemical exposures. He called for a reevaluation of regulatory standards, advocating for independent research free from corporate funding. "We need to follow the science, not the money," he urged, emphasizing the need for transparency in clinical trials and data sharing.

The conversation shifted to Kennedy's political ambitions. Running as an independent in the 2024 presidential race, he positioned his campaign as a rebellion against the two-party system, which he believes is corrupted by special interests. He discussed how his views on health and science intersect with his environmental advocacy, drawing parallels between corporate pollution of the environment and what he sees as the "pollution" of public health discourse. Kennedy criticized both Democrats and Republicans for failing to address these issues adequately, accusing them of prioritizing donor interests over public good.

On the topic of misinformation, Kennedy defended his right to speak out, even as platforms like social media have restricted his content. He argued that labeling dissenting views as "misinformation" is a tactic to suppress debate, reminiscent of historical suppressions of scientific progress. "Galileo was called a heretic for challenging the experts of his time," he noted, drawing a parallel to his own experiences. Kennedy stressed that the public should have access to all sides of an argument to make informed decisions, rather than being fed a single narrative from government-endorsed experts.

Throughout the interview, Kennedy addressed personal attacks and media portrayals that paint him as a conspiracy theorist. He maintained that his positions are based on extensive research and legal battles, including lawsuits against companies like Monsanto over glyphosate's health risks. He shared anecdotes from his career as an environmental lawyer, where he successfully challenged polluters, using those victories to bolster his credibility on health matters. Kennedy expressed optimism that a growing number of Americans are awakening to these issues, citing polls showing declining trust in institutions like the CDC.

In discussing potential policy changes, Kennedy outlined a vision for reform. He proposed overhauling the FDA to eliminate conflicts of interest, mandating that a significant portion of research be independently funded. He also advocated for school programs that emphasize nutrition and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, aiming to reverse the tide of chronic illnesses. On vaccines, he called for a moratorium on certain mandates until more robust safety data is available, emphasizing informed consent as a fundamental right.

Kennedy's interview also delved into the intersection of health policy and civil liberties. He warned that the erosion of free speech in the name of public health sets a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to broader authoritarian measures. "If we can't debate science openly, we're not a free society," he asserted. He encouraged viewers to engage in their own research, consult primary sources, and question official narratives.

Wrapping up, Kennedy reflected on his family's legacy—his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and father, Senator Robert F. Kennedy—invoking their commitments to justice and truth. He positioned his current efforts as a continuation of that tradition, fighting for the underdog against powerful interests. The interview underscored Kennedy's belief that empowering individuals with knowledge, rather than dictating from above, is the path to better health outcomes and a healthier democracy.

This dialogue with Scripps News highlights Kennedy's persistent push for accountability in science and medicine, challenging viewers to rethink what it means to "trust the science" in an era of polarized debates. His arguments, while divisive, underscore a call for greater transparency and debate in public health discourse, urging a return to foundational scientific principles of inquiry and evidence over unquestioned authority. (Word count: 912)

Read the Full WPTV-TV Article at:
[ https://www.wptv.com/health/rfk-jr-in-interview-with-scripps-news-trusting-the-experts-is-not-science ]

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RFK Jr. in interview with Scripps News: 'Trusting the experts is not science'

RFK Jr. Challenges Blind Trust in Experts During Scripps News Interview