RFK Jr. Emails Show CDC Scientist Made Demands

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) scientist felt emboldened to make demands of agency leaders and criticize their work, even copying the Secretary of Health and Human Services on correspondence, according to a recent release of CDC emails. These emails suggest that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. played a role in empowering this scientist.

One email dated November 12, 2019, shows the scientist, Dr. Joel Graf, writing to CDC Director Robert Redfield and other senior officials. In this communication, Graf outlined a series of demands, including the immediate release of specific data and a public apology from the agency for its handling of a particular issue. He also stated that he would not participate in any further meetings until his demands were met.

The emails reveal a pattern of assertive communication from Dr. Graf, who frequently copied his correspondence to Alex Azar, then the HHS Secretary. This suggests a level of confidence and perceived support that allowed him to bypass standard communication channels within the CDC. The specific issue that prompted these demands is not detailed in the provided excerpt, but the tone indicates a significant disagreement or perceived injustice.

Further communications indicate that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had been in contact with Dr. Graf prior to these emails. While the exact nature of their relationship is not fully elaborated, the timing and content of Graf's communications imply that Kennedy's involvement may have provided him with the assurance to confront agency leadership directly. The release of these emails sheds light on internal dynamics within the CDC and the influence external figures may have on agency operations.