Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has pledged to conduct transparent and quick studies to determine the cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with preliminary findings expected in six

Kennedy, Hotez says, made a “false statement” in claiming that the scientific community denies that there are any environmental factors at play. “I’ve said to RFK Jr. that there could be an environmental component, but not vaccines, because autism occurs in fetal brain development well before kids ever see vaccines.”

Public health experts say the anti-vaccine views fronted by the HHS secretary are wrong and undermine trust in science. But a recent three-day gathering shows his followers still believe in him.