RFK Jr. is a ‘conspiracy theorist’ endangering lives, say analysts at Howard Lutnick’s former firm

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his anti-vaccine views, is facing criticism from research analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald. The analysts, who were previously under the leadership of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, have raised concerns about Kennedy’s qualifications to lead an agency responsible for protecting the health of Americans.

Recently, Peter Marks, the head of the FDA biologics division, resigned in protest of Kennedy’s skepticism towards vaccines. Kennedy’s controversial stance on vaccines has raised alarm among public health experts, who fear that his actions could undermine routine immunizations in the United States.

In a statement to clients, Cantor analysts Josh Schimmer and Eric Schmidt called for a reevaluation of Kennedy’s role at HHS, stating that his anti-science agenda is unacceptable. They criticized Kennedy for downplaying the importance of vaccines, promoting unproven treatments, and supporting debunked links between vaccines and autism.

The repercussions of Kennedy’s actions were felt in the stock market, with shares of vaccine makers Moderna and Novavax, as well as other biotech companies, experiencing significant declines following Marks’ resignation. Cantor analysts emphasized that the issue goes beyond stock market implications, highlighting the public health risks associated with Kennedy’s beliefs.

Despite the controversy surrounding Kennedy, HHS has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter. Cantor analysts stressed the urgency of addressing the misinformation spread by Kennedy, particularly in light of a recent measles death that could have been prevented through vaccination.

In a related development, Howard Lutnick, former chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, stepped down from his position in February to serve as Secretary of Commerce. Lutnick’s departure marked the end of a 40-year tenure leading the investment bank.

The debate over Kennedy’s role at HHS continues to unfold, with critics calling for a reevaluation of his qualifications and beliefs. The controversy underscores the importance of evidence-based public health policies and the potential consequences of promoting misinformation in the field of healthcare.