A prominent medical publication has delivered a harsh critique of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s initial year at the helm of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The editorial, titled "Robert F. Kennedy Jr: 1 year of failure," highlights significant concerns regarding his leadership. It points to a series of contentious decisions and actions that, according to the journal, have severely impacted public health initiatives and scientific integrity. These actions reportedly include the removal of key personnel, alterations to established scientific guidelines, and a perceived disregard for evidence-based medicine, particularly concerning vaccine policies. The editorial suggests that these changes could have long-lasting negative consequences for the nation's health landscape and scientific progress.
The Lancet Delivers a Scathing Assessment of Secretary Kennedy's Tenure
On February 28, 2026, a critical editorial appeared in the latest edition of The Lancet, one of the world's most influential medical journals. This publication lambasted Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, for his performance during his first year in office. The editorial's title, "Robert F. Kennedy Jr: 1 year of failure," set a stark tone for the content within. A particularly damning quote emblazoned on an otherwise blank cover stated, "The destruction that Kennedy has wrought in 1 year might take generations to repair, and there is little hope for US health and science while he remains at the helm."
The journal's editorial board meticulously cataloged a litany of contentious actions attributed to Secretary Kennedy's leadership. These included the dismissal of numerous agency employees, the controversial revision of guidelines and recommendations that contradicted decades of established scientific consensus, substantial cuts to crucial scientific research programs, and what the journal characterized as the undermining of established vaccine policies through the promotion of "junk science and fringe beliefs."
The Lancet, renowned for its rigorous peer-review process and high impact factor, is considered a cornerstone of medical literature globally. Despite repeated attempts, an HHS spokesperson did not immediately provide a comment on the editorial. However, Secretary Kennedy has previously voiced his disapproval of mainstream medical journals. In a podcast discussion last year, he alleged that government scientists would likely cease submitting their work to high-profile journals, including The Lancet, claiming these publications were "corrupt" and unduly influenced by the pharmaceutical industry. He has even hinted at pursuing legal action against such journals.
Conversely, allies of Secretary Kennedy, such as Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the National Institutes of Health, swiftly came to his defense. Dr. Bhattacharya posted on X, stating, "Sec. Kennedy is fixing the mess they helped make," in direct response to the editorial's criticisms. Critics of Kennedy, however, were quick to point out The Lancet's own past misstep, having previously published a now-discredited paper by Andrew Wakefield that falsely linked vaccines to autism, which the journal retracted over a decade ago.
This critical assessment from The Lancet coincides with a alarming public health development. As of Friday, the United States has reported over 1,000 measles cases in 2026 alone, according to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This escalating number of outbreaks across the nation strongly suggests that the U.S. is at risk of losing its official measles elimination status.
The editorial referenced Kennedy's initial pledge upon assuming his role to restore public trust and foster "honest engagement with everyone willing to work towards making the USA healthy again." Yet, Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins, expressed little surprise at Kennedy's actions. In an interview with NPR, Dr. Adalja highlighted the unprecedented situation, stating, "You basically have the most prolific anti-vaccine advocate in the highest position of power in the federal government when it comes to health." This sentiment underscores the profound concern among medical professionals regarding the direction of public health policy under the current administration.
The critical editorial by The Lancet serves as a stark reminder of the importance of evidence-based policy in public health. It highlights the potential dangers when political appointments diverge sharply from established scientific consensus, particularly in areas like vaccination where public trust and adherence are paramount. The rising measles cases underscore the real-world consequences of undermining scientific authority and promoting misinformation. This situation prompts reflection on the delicate balance between political leadership and scientific expertise, urging a reevaluation of how public health institutions are led and governed to ensure the well-being of the populace.