TL/DR –
A letter claiming to be from physicians supporting Robert F Kennedy Jr’s nomination as US secretary of health and human services includes names of doctors who have had their licenses revoked, suspended or faced other disciplinary actions. The AP’s findings showed that in addition to doctors facing disciplinary actions, many of the almost 800 signers are not doctors, with more than 90 not including any credentials at all. The letter was organized by Maha Action, which is run by Del Bigtree, a longtime anti-vaccine activist who worked for Kennedy’s presidential campaign.
A Controversial Nomination and a Letter of Support
An AP investigation has revealed that a letter endorsing Robert F Kennedy Jr’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services was signed by physicians who have faced disciplinary actions, including license revocations and suspensions. The letter was intended to lend credibility to Kennedy’s nomination, who has been an anti-vaccine advocate for over two decades.
Who Signed the Letter?
Aside from the disciplined physicians, the letter, with nearly 800 signatures, is filled with signatories who are not doctors. The list of names, provided by Senator Ron Johnson’s office, includes a variety of professions, such as a journalist, a CPA, a paramedic, a health coach, and even someone with a bachelor’s degree in Jungian psychology.
Questionable Funding and Support
The letter was organized by Maha Action, led by Del Bigtree, a longtime anti-vaccine activist and previous worker for Kennedy’s campaign. Over 20 of the signatories are chiropractors, an industry that has financially supported Kennedy’s past work.
Creating a False Narrative?
Despite the letter being introduced as “Doctors for Robert F Kennedy Jr,” and claiming to be the voice of physicians committed to addressing chronic disease, the AP found that some signatories had faced severe disciplinary actions. These actions ranged from licenses being revoked or suspended, warnings regarding false COVID-19 treatment advertisements, probation, and other reprimands.
Controversial Figures Among the Signers
The AP revealed controversial figures among the signatories, including Paul Thomas, an anti-vaccine doctor who surrendered his license after accusations of negligence, and Dr Simone Gold, reprimanded for her conduct at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021.
Competing Letters and Opposition
While Maha Action’s letter was one of several sent in support of Kennedy, opponents sent a letter with over 18,000 signatures from “vetted and verified” doctors. The opposing group, the Committee to Protect Health Care, provided the list of signatories to the AP but with anonymized names for privacy and protection from harassment.
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