'You were part of the problem': RFK Jr clashes with CNN host over COVID vaccine debate

WASHINGTON, DC: Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr erupted during an interview with CNN’s Dana Bash as the two discussed measles outbreaks in several states and debated the Biden administration’s public health guidance during the pandemic.

The US is currently experiencing its worst measles resurgence in 35 years, with over two thousand confirmed cases reported across 43 states and Washington, DC as of late July 2026.

RFK Jr urges people to get vaccinated against measles

The Sunday, August 2, segment of CNN’s State of the Union, featuring Robert F Kennedy Jr evolved into a clash between the host, Dana Bash, and the guest as the discussion, which started with the measles outbreak, turned south as Kennedy angrily berated Bash and her network for “punishing” people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amid the growing cases of measles, public health officials have warned that unvaccinated communities were supercharging the spread of a disease to historic levels.

During the interview, the host Bash repeatedly pestered Kennedy to “look into the Camera” and urge parents to get their kids vaccinated in the view of the rising measles.

RFK blames CNN host for being part of Biden-era COVID problem

Although Kennedy looked into the camera and requested people to get vaccinated against the virus, the show took a turn from there as Kennedy and Bash argued over whether people who challenged Biden-era COVID policies were treated unfairly during the pandemic.

“Of course you want to move on!” an angry Kennedy insisted as Bash tried to pivot from a question about Covid-era guidance. “Because you were part of the problem."

“No, I wasn’t!” Bash replied indignantly.

“There was absolute press malpractice [during Covid],” Kennedy continued. “You weren’t allowing-- your job is a furious skepticism toward authority. And you weren’t doing that. You were beating up on people who were dissenting.”

As Kennedy paused his bashing of the anchor, Bash said, “Okay, do you want to sit here and attack me or do you want to have a conversation about public health,” in a calmer tone.

“You’re sitting here and attacking me!” responded the secretary.

The CNN host went on to say that she would not allow Kennedy to “use this interview to say things that are not entirely true”.