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Emails Reveal Kennedy's Controversial Samoa Visit Amid Measles Crisis

3/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Samoa in June 2019 amid a measles outbreak that killed 83 people, mostly children.
Emails show U.S. embassy staff, including Scott Brown, were aware of Kennedy's trip to raise vaccine concerns.
Brown, a former Republican senator, later helped Kennedy prepare for Senate confirmation hearings for Health Secretary.
Kennedy denied any outbreak connection during the hearings; health officials called the claim false.

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Story summary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited Samoa in June 2019 amid a measles outbreak that killed 83 people, mostly children.
Emails show U.S. embassy staff, including Scott Brown, were aware of Kennedy's trip to raise vaccine concerns.
Brown, a former Republican senator, later helped Kennedy prepare for Senate confirmation hearings for Health Secretary.
Kennedy denied any outbreak connection during the hearings; health officials called the claim false.