RFK Jr. says anti-vaccine group has a ‘friend at the White House’

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed a gathering of Children’s Health Defense on Thursday, telling attendees that the Trump administration supports the group's mission. At the one-day conference, Kennedy declared, “You have a strong and steadfast friend at the White House,” as he spoke to the crowd of dozens.

The event was organized by Children’s Health Defense, an organization known for opposing vaccines and previously led by Kennedy. His appearance and comments tied a serving cabinet official to the group’s advocacy, underscoring a public alignment between the administration and an anti-vaccine organization once headed by the secretary.

Kennedy’s statement frames the White House as a supporter of the group’s cause; it also raises questions about how HHS policy or messaging might intersect with advocacy promoted by Children’s Health Defense. The secretary’s past leadership of the organization adds context to his remarks and may influence perceptions of the department’s stance on vaccine-related issues.

No additional comments from HHS or from the White House were included in the report of the remarks, and the event itself was described as a single-day conference attended by dozens of supporters and observers.