Following Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s visit to Samoa to promote vaccine misinformation, the island experienced a devastating measles outbreak that infected more than 5,000 people and killed 83. Hawaii Governor Josh Green, M.D., was later invited by Samoa’s Prime Minister to help lead the response and administer lifesaving vaccines. This week, the United States recorded its first measles deaths. In response, Governor Green and 314 Action President Shaughnessy Naughton released the following statements:
Hawaii Governor Josh Green, M.D.: “Misinformation and measles are a deadly combination — I saw that firsthand in Samoa. The truth is, this is a disease we know how to prevent. The MMR shot is the only proven and effective way to prevent the spread of measles. Vaccines save lives. Our public health decisions must be guided by doctors, scientists and evidence — not conspiracy theories or political convenience. We owe it to every family to protect our children and communities, and make sure no one else dies from a preventable disease.”
Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action: “Nobody understands the consequences of RFK Jr.’s deadly anti-vaccine rhetoric better than Governor Josh Green. He went to Samoa to clean up the damage left behind by RFK Jr.’s lies and get lifesaving vaccines into arms before more people died. Now, America is facing its worst measles crisis in decades, and two more Americans have lost their lives to a disease we have long known how to prevent. The only thing ‘lethal’ about vaccines is listening to RFK Jr.’s lies about them. America needs more leaders like Governor Green who are willing to stand up to Trump and RFK Jr. and put public health over politics. We won’t stop fighting until RFK Jr. is fired or removed from office.”
Ahead of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearing last year, 314 Action launched a pressure campaign warning Americans about the dangers RFK Jr. posed to public health, including a series of digital ads highlighting RFK Jr.’s role in Samoa.
