Bluesky
On Russian TV, RFK Jr Claimed Swine Flu and H1N1 Were Fabricated and "Never Happened"
During an undated appearance on Russian TV outlet RT, Trump HHS nominee RFK Jr, known for his controversial stance on vaccines and public health, claimed that swine flu and H1N1 were fabricated. Such remarks not only distort reality but also undermine trust in global health institutions and the efforts to combat infectious diseases.
In the interview, RFK Jr claimed the WHO "is absolutely controlled from top to bottom by the pharmaceutical companies ... who used WHO to, you know, fabricate pandemics like the swine flu, like the H1N1 and make billions of dollars on pandemics that never happened."
Trump with RFK Jr.
The claim is patently false. According to the Mayo Clinic, the WHO has reported approximately 284,400 deaths globally as a result of the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic in 2009–2010. This estimate reflects the severity of the outbreak, which impacted millions worldwide and required a coordinated global response.
Suggesting that the pandemic was fabricated dismisses the lived experiences of those affected and disregards the efforts of healthcare workers who battled the disease. Kennedy’s decision to air these baseless assertions on RT, a platform often accused of spreading misinformation, is particularly troubling.
It is crucial for public figures to base their statements on evidence, especially when addressing topics as critical as global health. Trump's HHS nominee's repeated peddling of unsubstantiated claims not only damages his credibility but also endangers public health by fostering unnecessary fear and skepticism.
