Senators open probe into RFK Jr Samoa trip claims

Senators demand internal documents

Incoming Senate Finance Committee chair Ron Wyden sent a letter to Children's Health Defense on Wednesday. The lawmakers seek all records related to the 2019 trip Kennedy took while leading the non-profit group. They specifically want documents explaining his reasons for traveling to the Pacific island nation just months before a measles outbreak killed 83 people there. Wyden stated they intend to hold the health secretary accountable for any false statements made during his confirmation hearings.

Letters contradict testimony given

Kennedy told Congress in January 2025 that his Samoa visit had nothing to do with vaccines. Yet correspondence secured by the Guardian and Associated Press reveals that he contacted the Samoan prime minister during January 2019 with a request to examine the measles mumps rubella vaccine. In that correspondence he used the words vaccine or vaccination eight times before departing for the island. Critics argue his presence emboldened anti-vaccine activists during a severe vaccination crisis affecting mostly children under age five.

Officials deny allegations of lies

The Department of Health and Human Services previously called claims that Kennedy lied outright defamatory. HHS stated his visit was unrelated to vaccines and denied he discouraged Samoans from getting vaccinated. Children's Health Defense did not respond to requests for comment regarding the ongoing investigation. The senators wrote they are deeply concerned by tactics used both before and during Kennedy's tenure as secretary.