Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces mounting public disapproval with only 33% of Americans approving his job performance according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. The survey of 1,200 registered voters reveals 54% disapprove of Kennedy’s leadership, representing a significant drop from his 38% approval rating in earlier 2025 polls.
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Polling Data Reveals Steady Decline in Public Support
The September Quinnipiac poll marks Kennedy’s lowest approval rating since taking office, with a five-point drop from March and June surveys. This decline coincides with Kennedy’s controversial overhaul of federal health agencies and vaccine policies. While 71% of Republicans still support the secretary, his approval has cratered among independent voters and Democrats.
Tim Malloy, Quinnipiac University polling analyst, noted the connection between Kennedy’s unpopularity and public sentiment on vaccines. “Keep mandatory vaccines in place for public school kids, say a large majority of voters,” Malloy stated. “That sentiment is expressed as voters give a clear thumbs down to the overall recommendations by Secretary Kennedy.” The poll found 67% of Americans support vaccine requirements for public school attendance, including 46% of Republican respondents.
Controversial CDC Overhaul Sparks Expert Backlash
Kennedy’s most consequential action came in August when he fired former CDC director Susan Monarez for refusing to approve recommendations from his newly appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Kennedy had unilaterally terminated all previous ACIP members and replaced them with appointees including several with documented histories of misrepresenting vaccine safety and effectiveness.
The reconstituted committee has already moved to remove multiple vaccines from the childhood immunization schedule with minimal scientific justification. Public health experts have universally condemned these actions. The original ACIP operated as an independent advisory group with rigorous scientific standards, while Kennedy’s replacement members include individuals who have financially benefited from anti-vaccine activism.
Unsubstantiated Health Claims Damage Credibility
Beyond vaccine policy, Kennedy has promoted numerous scientifically unsupported health theories that have drawn criticism from medical professionals. He has repeatedly claimed that acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes autism, despite comprehensive research showing no such connection. Kennedy has also diagnosed “massive mitochondria problems” in American children without presenting clinical evidence.
Most remarkably, the HHS secretary has directed departmental resources toward investigating “chemtrails,” a thoroughly debunked conspiracy theory that persistent aircraft contrails contain harmful chemicals. The Environmental Protection Agency and numerous scientific organizations have repeatedly explained that contrails consist of ice crystals formed from aircraft engine exhaust.
Political Support Remains Despite Public Opposition
Despite declining public approval, Kennedy maintains strong backing from Republican leadership. President Donald Trump has consistently defended his health secretary, most recently appearing alongside him to promote anti-vaccine talking points during an autism policy announcement. The Quinnipiac poll confirms this partisan divide, with Kennedy’s approval among Republicans remaining robust at 71%.
This political support has insulated Kennedy from consequences despite widespread criticism from public health experts. The American Medical Association and numerous medical associations have condemned Kennedy’s policies, warning they threaten to reverse decades of public health progress. The administration has dismissed these concerns, characterizing criticism as establishment resistance to needed reforms.
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