Senate testimony warns political pressure shaped public health responses
A panel of former CDC leaders told lawmakers that rhetoric from prominent anti-vaccine advocates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., influenced internal deliberations and public messaging at times of crisis. Witnesses described episodes where public statements and political pressure complicated the agency’s efforts to present clear, science-based guidance.
Lawmakers on both sides pressed for reforms to protect health agencies from politicisation while seeking assurances that communications would remain evidence-driven. The testimony comes amid renewed debate over the role of elected officials and advocates in shaping public health policy.

Calls for clearer legal and structural safeguards
Experts testifying urged statutory protections and clearer disclosure rules to shield technical decisions from partisan interference. Public health groups said improving transparency and strengthening advisory processes would help rebuild trust eroded during recent controversies.