Kennedy Criticizes CNN Anchor Over COVID Era Coverage

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized CNN anchor Dana Bash for her handling of media coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. He accused her of failing to question public health authorities effectively, contributing to the marginalization of dissenting voices.

During an appearance on the “State of the Union” program, Kennedy asserted, “You were part of the problem. There was absolute press malpractice. Your job is a fierce skepticism toward authority, and you weren’t doing that.” He noted that Bash often “beat up on people who were dissenting.” This comment followed Bash’s question about how HHS would prepare for future pandemics, trying to direct the discussion away from past federal responses.

Bash responded by stating her intention to focus on preventing future public health crises. She emphasized the effectiveness of the COVID vaccine, remarking, “It is also factually true that the COVID vaccine worked… There is data, upon data, upon data.” Research from the CDC and Harvard estimated that primary vaccination could have prevented over 232,000 deaths among unvaccinated U.S. adults.

While acknowledging errors made by officials during the pandemic, Kennedy accused CNN of creating public fear through its coverage. Bash questioned why Kennedy believed CNN frightened viewers, to which he attributed it to CNN’s pandemic chyrons, stating, “Because that was the job of CNN.” Bash defended the network’s role in reporting government officials’ statements, including those of President Trump’s daily briefings.

Kennedy accused Bash of punishing those who distrusted Anthony Fauci, citing false information about masks, social distancing, and other pandemic-related matters. Kennedy insisted, “We know that Anthony Fauci… was lying about everything,” and criticized the network for punishing dissenters.

The interview occurred shortly after Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment multiple times during a Senate hearing, which explored the pandemic response and COVID-19’s origins. Sen. Rand Paul has suggested a committee vote on a contempt resolution.

During the interview, Bash urged Kennedy to encourage vaccinations, particularly in light of rising measles cases in the U.S., which had reached their highest total in 35 years. Kennedy endorsed the MMR vaccine, stating, “Parents should get their children vaccinated for measles… People should get vaccinated.”

Bash has previously advocated for reporters to identify false or misleading claims instead of presenting all positions equally. She commented, “Objective reporting doesn’t mean just giving all sides of the issue. It means explaining when something is false or misleading.” Fox News Digital attempted to contact RFK Jr. and CNN for responses but did not receive any immediately.