Kennedy Criticizes CNN’s Pandemic Coverage

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. alleged media malpractice by CNN anchor Dana Bash during a recent interview on ‘State of the Union.’ Kennedy criticized Bash for not challenging public health authorities during the COVID pandemic and for marginalizing dissenters.

During the interview, Kennedy stated, You were part of the problem. There was absolute press malpractice. Your job is a fierce skepticism toward authority, and you weren’t doing that. He accused Bash of targeting those who dissented.

The confrontation arose as Bash asked about HHS’s strategies for a future pandemic, prompting Kennedy’s criticism. Bash defended her line of questioning, focusing on how to avert another public health crisis.

Bash refuted Kennedy’s claims of misinformation, asserting that the COVID vaccine was effective. Research by the CDC and Harvard in 2023 estimated that vaccination could have prevented at least 232,000 deaths among unvaccinated U.S. adults.

Kennedy also accused CNN of inciting public fear during the pandemic. Bash questioned this accusation, noting that CNN reported on official briefings from the White House, including President Trump’s updates.

The dialogue further escalated as Kennedy accused Dr. Anthony Fauci of dishonesty regarding various pandemic-related measures. Kennedy contended that CNN penalized those who distrusted Fauci.

The interview coincided with reports of Dr. Fauci invoking the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing concerning the pandemic response.

Amidst this exchange, the U.S. recorded 2,371 confirmed measles cases through July 30, surpassing previous annual cases. Kindergarten MMR vaccine coverage declined from 95.2% in 2019-2020 to 92.5% in 2024-2025, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high immunization rates.

Kennedy advocated for measles vaccination, stating, Parents should get their children vaccinated for measles. Measles vaccine is effective. It stops measles in about 97% of the cases. People should get vaccinated.

Bash, in April, noted that journalists should identify false or misleading statements rather than merely presenting differing views. Objective reporting doesn’t mean just giving all sides of the issue, she emphasized, advocating for explanations of inaccuracies.

Fox News Digital reached out to RFK Jr. and CNN for further comments but received no immediate response.