RFK Jr. to headline sold-out anti-vaccine conference with Andrew Wakefield

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to headline a sold-out anti-vaccine conference alongside Andrew Wakefield on September 17 in Washington, D.C. The event, organized by Children's Health Defense, features other prominent vaccine critics including Senators Ron Johnson and Rand Paul. Kennedy's appearance marks a shift toward openly embracing his anti-vaccine ideology after previously distancing himself from the group.
Key Facts
- The conference is scheduled for September 17 in Washington, D.C., with an opening reception the night before.
- In-person tickets priced at $250 are sold out, but $125 passes for limited seating and $100 livestream access remain available.
- Speakers include Senators Ron Johnson and Rand Paul, MAHA Institute president Mark Gorton, and Epoch Times senior editor Jan Jekielek.
- Kennedy formally separated from Children's Health Defense in early 2025 when he became health secretary.
Conference Lineup
The event is billed as a 'pursuit of a more perfect future' and will discuss risks and opportunities for the 'health freedom movement.' Other speakers include Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Mark Gorton, Jan Jekielek, and CHD CEO Mary Holland. In-person tickets at $250 are sold out, while $125 passes for limited seating and $100 livestream access are still available.
Kennedy's Shift
Kennedy formally separated from CHD around the start of 2025 when he pursued the health secretary role. During his confirmation hearing, he repeatedly claimed to be 'pro-vaccine' despite his lengthy record as an anti-vaccine activist. His decision to headline the conference appears to be a shift toward openly embracing his ideology, following reports that President Trump urged him to pursue the falsehood that vaccines cause autism.