In a fiery exchange on CNN's State of the Union, Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.) confronted Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) over his support for Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urging Carter to remember his professional background as a pharmacist.
Accusations of an Anti-Vax Crusade
Auchincloss accused Kennedy of leading an anti-vaccine movement as head of Health and Human Services, calling for a House investigation into whether Kennedy's overhaul of vaccine policies is linked to rising cases of measles and whooping cough. Carter, who serves on the House Health subcommittee, agreed that the outbreaks warrant inquiry but refused to blame Kennedy.
Carter Defends Kennedy
“I believe RFK Jr. is doing his job, and I applaud him for doing his job,” Carter said. Auchincloss, stunned by the response, reminded Carter of his pharmacy degree and decades of drugstore ownership.
“So you agree RFK Jr. should resign? You're a pharmacist, Buddy. You know better than this,” Auchincloss said.
Debate Over Vaccine Mandates
Carter argued that vaccine mandates, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, infringed on personal freedom and bodily autonomy. Auchincloss then pressed him on whether he doubted the safety and efficacy of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
“We cannot force people into doing things; we have to give them a choice, based on education,” Carter said, before conceding that he “obviously” believes the shots are safe and effective.
When asked to publicly vouch for the vaccine to parents, Carter doubled down on individual liberty, stating, “You know this is the kind of rhetoric that we hear from the Democratic Party that causes people to be upset.”
The exchange highlights deepening partisan divides over vaccine policy and public health leadership.
