Texas is experiencing a measles outbreak, which prompted physician Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to tweet about it on X and tell Americans that the measles vaccine has been "safe and effective since 1963." He was then criticized for supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointment as the secretary of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy has long been a so-called "vaccine skeptic" and has spoken out specifically on the measles vaccine, questioning its efficacy and safety.
ALSO READ: 'Gotta be kidding': Jim Jordan scrambles as he's confronted over Musk 'double standard'
Kennedy, who is not a physician or scientific researcher, was accused of perpetuating a measles outbreak in Samoa in 2019. The outbreak led to the deaths of 83 people out of 200,000, The Associated Press reported.
Still, when questioned on the matter, Kennedy said, “We don’t know what was killing them."
“It’s a total fabrication,” Samoa Director-General of Health Dr. Alec Ekeroma told The Associated Press after the confirmation hearing.
Other physicians quickly roasted Cassidy over the comment.
Pediatric doctor Alastair McAlpine blasted Cassidy in all-caps, "Then why did you support the appointment of an anti-vaxxer as head of HHS just last week? I swear, I'm losing my mind here.."
Dr. Jessica Biller, DO, also referenced the RFK Jr. vote, "Actions speak louder than words, my friend."
ALSO READ: Lower-level experts at HHS will keep RFK Jr. in line: GOP senator
Infectious disease and clinician Dr. Neil Stone replied, "Hollow words from Senator Bill Cassidy MD on a measles outbreak. He has enabled future outbreaks by voting to confirm RFK Jr as HHS Secretary. Actions have consequences."
But fellow physicians weren't the only ones.
Texas influencer Olivia Julianna, who has over 322,000 followers, blasted Cassidy, saying, "Too little too late, Bill. These outbreaks are now on you too!"
Even Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) clapped back at his colleague, noting that Cassidy was the deciding vote to allow Kennedy to move to the full Senate for a vote. Cassidy could have stopped Kennedy from advancing but did not. Cassidy is up for re-election in 2026.
Political commentators and legal analysts lined up to criticize Cassidy for having the gall to comment on vaccines or outbreaks when he approved someone who questions the legitimacy of vaccines.
"The hypocrisy would be comical if it wasn’t so tragic," lamented YouTube commentator and political strategist Keith Edwards.
Texan and former Democratic congressional candidate Russell Foster posted, "Y'all spent the last decade s---ing on vaccines & causing your GOP constituents to believe that vaccines are going to kill you instead of the viruses they prevent. Y'all have screwed over a whole generation of children because your party decided that fear & hate was the way."
Vaccine scientist Dr. Peter Hotez, however, took the "carrot" approach rather than the "stick." He thanked Cassidy for telling Americans, "Measles is a dangerous infection, while MMR vaccine is safe/effective."
