Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. consistently assured lawmakers during his confirmation process last year that a 2019 visit to Samoa had nothing to do with vaccines. However, new documents obtained by The Associated Press and The Guardian contradict that testimony. Kennedy, a vocal anti-vaccine advocate, wrote a letter to the Samoan prime minister before the trip, requesting to study the country's measles, mumps and rubella vaccines following the deaths of two children who had received them.

In that letter, he referred to vaccines or vaccinations eight times, raising doubts about the veracity of his statements under oath before Congress. Upon confirmation, Kennedy moved to alter vaccine policies and later implemented changes while in office. Despite his denials, critics, including Democratic senators Edward Markey and Ron Wyden, accused Kennedy of lying during his confirmation hearings.

Wyden pledged to hold Kennedy accountable if Democrats regained control of the Senate in the upcoming elections.