Six former surgeons general say Kennedy is "endangering" the nation's health

Six former U.S. surgeons general warned in a Tuesday op-ed that changes made by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are "endangering the health of the nation."Why it matters: The former officials, who served under both Republicans and Democrats, wrote that they could not ignore the "profound, immediate and unprecedented threat" of his policies.The nation's vaccine policies, research funding and federal health workforce and its leadership have been rocked by an onslaught of historic and controversial changes since Kennedy's appointment.Meanwhile, Trump has stood by Kennedy despite mounting criticism. Kennedy's allies in the administration believe his "Make America Healthy Again" base will be a critical midterm constituency for the GOP.HHS did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment Tuesday.Driving the news: The former top doctors — appointed by every president dating back to George H.W. Bush — sounded the alarm over plummeting morale, the prioritization of ideology over science and the fleeing of talent amid rising public health threats."Despite differences in perspectives, we have always been united in an unwavering commitment to science and evidence-based public health," they wrote. "It is that shared principle that led us to this moment."The group included Trump's first-term surgeon general, Jerome Adams.What they're saying: "Repairing this damage requires a leader who respects scientific integrity and transparency, listens to experts and can restore trust to the federal health apparatus," they wrote. "Instead, Kennedy has become a driving force behind this crisis."The former officials condemned Kennedy's "dangerous and discredited" rhetoric about vaccines, "most notoriously" his promotion of the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. They also said he had "repeatedly misrepresented" the risks of mRNA technology and COVID shots.Catch up quick: In June, Kennedy ousted all 17 members of the expert panel that makes vaccine policy recommendations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).In August, he announced new limits on COVID vaccine eligibility.President Trump and RFK Jr. sparked an uproar last month when they speculated about a link between Tylenol and autism — with Trump urging women to "tough it out" — despite inconclusive evidence."Instead of helping pregnant women make informed decisions during a critical period in their lives, Kennedy's decisions risk causing confusion, fear and harm," the surgeons general wrote.The big picture: The former officials join a growing chorus of public dissent against Kennedy.HHS employees, members of the Kennedy family, public health groups and lawmakers have called on him to resign.Go deeper: Scientists mobilize to counter vaccine misinformation

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