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Senators seek RFK Jr inquiry
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Senators seek criminal inquiry into RFK Jr. over Samoa trip testimony.
The dispute centers on whether he lied to Congress about vaccine work.
Background
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now HHS Secretary, testified during his 2025 Senate confirmation hearings that his 2019 trip to Samoa had 'nothing to do with vaccines.' Newly revealed documents, including a letter he wrote, suggest the trip was vaccine-focused. This has led to calls for a criminal investigation into whether he made false statements to Congress.
How it unfolded
- Jan 29, 2025During Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing, Kennedy said his 2019 Samoa trip 'had nothing to do with vaccines' and was to introduce a medical informatics system.
- Jan 30, 2025At Senate HELP Committee hearing, Sen. Markey pressed Kennedy; he again denied vaccine connection, answering 'No, it did not' when asked if trip involved vaccines.
- Aug 27, 2026American Oversight sent a letter to DOJ seeking criminal investigation into Kennedy's apparent false statements. AP reported new documents contradicting his account.
- Aug 27, 2026Sen. Wyden said he plans to press Republicans to refer Kennedy to DOJ for criminal investigation, warning 'There are consequences for lying to Congress.'
Who’s saying what
- Official
- American Oversight, a watchdog group, formally requested a DOJ criminal investigation into Kennedy's statements.
- Democrats
- Sen. Wyden said Kennedy's platform 'is built on lies and grifts that leave a trail of dead children in their wake' and urged accountability.
- Experts
- Attorneys with Senate procedure expertise noted Democrats could use the statements for hearings or impeachment inquiry if they win control.
Still unverified
The claim that Kennedy lied is based on newly revealed documents; he has not yet responded publicly. The criminal investigation is only sought, not initiated.