Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he confronted Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over what he described as harmful health misinformation. Shapiro said Kennedy’s rhetoric was affecting communities in Pennsylvania and across the country. He argued that misleading health information can make it harder for parents to protect their children.
Gov. Shapiro said Kennedy had called him that morning and offered federal staff to assist Pennsylvania. He said the state could manage the situation through its Department of Health.
Shapiro said he was “very, very blunt” during their conversation. He told Kennedy that administration rhetoric was having “a negative impact on communities across America.”
“There’s real-life consequences to spreading misinformation,” Shapiro said.
He also warned that it could scare parents and steer them away from doctors and medical professionals. Shapiro said parents need unbiased information to make reasonable decisions for their children.
He argued that federal, state and hospital health professionals should provide factual information without bias. That information, he said, allows parents to make responsible decisions about their children’s health.
Shapiro then criticized the circulation of unsupported health claims.
“Sharing conspiracy theories and misinformation does not help the cause of public health,” he said.
Shapiro said such messaging leaves people “less healthy and less safe.” He added that it makes parents’ efforts to protect their children more difficult.
Josh Shapiro Faces Pushback Over RFK Jr. Measles Claims
Shapiro’s criticism of Kennedy drew a divided response, with some users demanding specific examples and others backing his public-health warning.
“You are the one lying,” one response stated.
Another questioned, “Specifically which actions/rhetoric from Secretary Kennedy are you claiming is dangerous/alarming?” The same response added, “This is all hollow political talking points.”
A separate user wrote, “Ok, tell Josh to stop with the misinformation and conspiracy theories.”
Another stated, “Shapiro is a purveyor of fake news. Rhetoric he calls it.”
Other responses sided with Shapiro. One user wrote, “Kennedy is nothing but a crackpot with his phony theories mean nothing! It will take years to undo all the harm he has done along with the Trump Admin!!”
Another stated, “Public health shouldn’t be a political game. Facts matter when people’s lives are on the line.”
Shapiro did not identify the specific Kennedy statements he considered misinformation during the remarks.
