During a Thursday segment, CNN’s Kaitlan Collins found herself in a rather contentious exchange with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The topic? The media’s alleged role in disseminating misinformation throughout the COVID pandemic, a charge that Kennedy leveled with noticeable frustration.
“One of the major errors made by you and many of your colleagues in the media during COVID was attempting to persuade the American public to place their trust in experts,” Kennedy asserted, before emphasizing his point that “what we should do is trust the science.”
Unfazed, Collins shot back, “The message was to trust the science, and what studies were finding.”
“No, it was trust the experts,” Kennedy replied, illustrating a fundamental rift in their perspectives.
RFK JR: “[People] should also be skeptical about any medical advice, they need to do their own research.” pic.twitter.com/6Q1g6DK4aS
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) May 23, 2025
Indeed, one cannot overlook the dismissive attitudes displayed by figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci toward critical issues such as natural immunity, the lab leak theory, and legitimate concerns regarding vaccine efficacy and potential side effects like myocarditis. The prevailing media narrative urged the public to place unwavering faith in Fauci and other health officials from the Biden administration, who, it turns out, were not infallible.
Kennedy went on to advocate for a healthy skepticism toward medical advice, asserting that Americans should engage in their own research. “I would say be skeptical of authority. My father taught me that when I was young. People in authority lie, and we’ve witnessed a lot of that in our country,” RFK Jr. stated. He continued, “People in the media lie. Individuals need to make their own judgments, be skeptical, and keep their critical thinking skills intact—something that was suppressed during COVID, with the media playing a complicit role.”
Collins, not one to back down, firmly countered, “I disagree on that last part,” and promptly concluded the interview.
In a related note, the Department of Health and Human Services recently released its MAHA report, which aims to promote healthier lifestyles for children. The report highlights several pressing issues: the prevalence of ultra-processed foods, environmental chemicals, decreasing physical activity, and the overmedicalization of children.
MEDICAL COVER-UP EXPOSED@DrDrew : “We were lied to. The NIH and FDA knew about myocarditis risks in young men—and they suppressed it. 1,400% spike in meds for kids, and they’re sicker than ever. Pills won’t save us. Families, faith, and truth-telling might.” pic.twitter.com/XtQWRXpKSd
— Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) May 23, 2025
In a roundtable discussion involving President Donald Trump and other health officials, Kennedy referenced the longstanding push for improved health initiatives in the U.S., noting that his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, had championed similar ideals.
He recounted meeting the influential environmentalist Rachel Carson, author of the groundbreaking 1962 book “Silent Spring,” which addresses the harmful effects of pesticides on health, during JFK’s presidency.
.@SecKennedy: “My Uncle tried to do this but he was killed and it never got done; and ever since then we’ve been waiting for a President who would stand up and speak on behalf of the health of the American people.” pic.twitter.com/kR7abbLHmX
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) May 22, 2025
He lamented, “My uncle tried to do this, but he was killed, and it never came to fruition; and since then, we’ve been waiting for a president who would advocate for the health of the American populace.” Kennedy believes that Trump has taken on that mantle, allowing genuine science to guide policy.
One can only hope that Collins and her colleagues in the media will take note of the outcomes stemming from these scientific endeavors.
This article originally appeared on The Western Journal.
