Michigan Democrat Moves to Impeach RFK Jr. Over Public Health Concerns

Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) introduced articles of impeachment against Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday, accusing him of undermining public health and scientific standards. 

The Details: In a video posted to X, Stevens said Kennedy has "turned his back on science, on public health and on the American people," alleging he dismantled longstanding medical research efforts and contributed to rising health care costs. She argued that "families are less safe" under his leadership and that lifesaving research programs are being weakened. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon defended Kennedy, saying he remains focused on health improvements and cost reduction rather than "partisan theatrics." According to several outlets, the impeachment is unlikely to succeed under the current Republican majority.

For Context: Kennedy became HHS secretary in February and has drawn criticism for changes to public health guidelines, and recent personnel and structural changes, including the CDC firing 600 employees. Some recent changes include this month, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend "individual-based decision-making" for most hepatitis B vaccines. In September, President Donald Trump and Kennedy announced new recommendations about the risks of taking acetaminophen while pregnant, however they walked in back in October.

How the Media Covered It: A Fox Business (Lean Right bias) segment said Kennedy's "fight to make America healthy again" was "triggering the left." It interviewed panelists who called the impeachment a "pathetic stunt" and highlighted Kennedy's agenda to remove additives from food and overhaul American health. Axois (Lean Left) and New York Times (Lean Left) both highlighted Democratic infighting in response to the impeachment. Axios wrote, "Stevens is part of a growing group of House Democrats effectively going rogue," and noted House Democrats saying the efforts "were pointless distractions." The Hill (Center) noted Stevens' previous calls for Kennedy's removals and her introduction of the "Stop RFK's BS Act" in September, which would reverse funding cuts Kennedy has overseen.

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