Senator calls for criminal investigation of RFK Jr after Guardian report

Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon has called for a criminal investigation into US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. following a Guardian report that alleged Kennedy lied during Senate confirmation hearings last year. The Guardian's investigation was based on letters obtained through a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit. Wyden stated that Kennedy's platform is built on lies and grifts which leave a trail of dead children.

He has urged Republican colleagues to refer the case to the Department of Justice for criminal investigation, and when Democrats regain control of the Senate, RFK Jr. will be held accountable by the Finance Committee. American Oversight, a government watchdog group, also requested the Justice Department to immediately investigate Kennedy for potentially violating the law by making false statements to Congress.

Wyden testified during two confirmation hearings last year about Kennedy's 2019 trip to Samoa, a time when Kennedy was leading an anti-vaccine group. Wyden and other Democratic senators asked Kennedy about the trip, which allegedly had "nothing to do with vaccines". However, newly obtained letters contradict Kennedy's testimony, revealing that he explicitly told the Samoan prime minister he wanted to study the MMR vaccine in Samoa and used the terms "vaccine" or "vaccination" eight times.

Law professor Josh Chafetz stated that lying to Congress is a crime, but this would require the executive branch to prosecute, which is unlikely under the current Trump administration. Democratic officials, including Ed Markey, have emphasized that Kennedy's actions jeopardize the health of children and put his credibility into question.

Wyden's staff noted that even if Kennedy was not under oath during the hearings, it is still a crime to lie during a confirmation hearing.