House Democrat Haley Stevens introduces impeachment articles against HHS Secretary RFK Jr

 This article has been updated with new information from the Department of Health and Human Services office. 

WASHINGTON, DC: Democratic Rep Haley Stevens of Michigan on Wednesday, December 10, introduced articles of impeachment against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr.

The move follows months of criticism from Stevens, who argued that the secretary's decisions have undermined public health and disrupted critical medical research programs.

The filing comes amid a series of impeachment attempts targeting members of President Donald Trump's cabinet. 

Haley Stevens cites public health concerns

Stevens said that she acted after hearing from medical and scientific groups urging action over Kennedy's 10-month tenure at HHS.

She pointed to halted clinical cancer research trials and what she described as public health risks linked to Kennedy's statements and policies.

"It's a public health and safety issue," Stevens said in an interview with NBC News.

“And when I have Michiganders who have daughters or sons going through clinical cancer research trials that are stopped in the middle because of RFK," she continued. 

"When I introduce legislation to reinstitute the funding for those clinical trials, and it doesn’t get done … when I’ve called on him to step down and he doesn’t, this is a safety issue,” she added.

Stevens emphasized that she viewed the impeachment articles as necessary given the impact on patients and medical systems. “I’m a very serious lawmaker. I get a lot done here,” she said.

“But I’m not going to sit quietly by while people’s health and safety and lives are on the line,” she continued.

However, HHS communications director, Andrew Nixon in an email statement to our website replying to Stevens' bid shared that "Secretary Kennedy remains focused on improving Americans’ health and lowering costs, not on partisan theatrics designed to elevate standing in a failing, third-rate Senate bid."

Nixon also previously disputed the accusations, saying in September that “Secretary Kennedy remains focused on the work of improving Americans’ health and lowering costs, not on partisan political stunts.”

The petition that helped spark Stevens' actions was circulated by 'Stand-up for Science', which accused Kennedy of breaking commitments he made during his confirmation hearing about not undermining vaccine development and approval systems.

“Secretary Kennedy’s words and actions are killing Americans,” the petition stated. Stevens said that Michigan has recently seen one of the highest rates of measles cases, adding that RFK Jr was "purporting conspiracy theories and prohibiting medical research availability."

Impeachment efforts unlikely to advance in GOP-led House

Stevens' filing joins another related push by fellow Michigan Democrat Rep Shri Thanedar, who this week introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, citing allegations reported in connection with a US maritime operation.

The White House and Hegseth have reportedly denied any wrongdoing. Both lawmakers are in competitive Democratic primaries, adding political context to the timing of their actions. 

Progressive Texas Democrat Rep Al Green also said he plans to introduce an article of impeachment against President Donald Trump in the coming days.

However, Democratic leadership has described impeachment as unrealistic given the current House makeup. 

Republicans hold a 220-213 majority, making it almost certain that a privileged impeachment resolution would be tabled or referred to committee.

"Republicans will never allow articles of impeachment to be brought to the floor of the House of Representatives. And we know that’s the case because Donald Trump will order them not to do it," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.