Sasha and Bill Clash Over RFK Jr. in Heated Substack Debate

Prominent COVID-19 critics spar over RFK Jr.'s role as HHS Secretary under Trump

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Substack writers Sasha Latypova and Bill Rice Jr. engaged in a heated debate in the comments section of Rice's article, with Latypova sharply criticizing RFK Jr. and Rice defending the controversial HHS Secretary. The exchange highlights growing divisions within the COVID-19 skeptic community.

Why it matters

The debate between Latypova and Rice reflects broader tensions within the anti-vaccine movement, as prominent figures clash over strategy and the role of key figures like RFK Jr. These divisions could undermine the effectiveness of the movement in challenging COVID-19 policies.

The details

In the article, Rice argued that RFK Jr. has played a significant role in launching the anti-vaccine movement and challenging figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci. However, Latypova strongly disagreed, stating that RFK Jr. is indistinguishable from a "pharma asset" and has not accomplished anything meaningful. The two traded barbs, with Latypova accusing RFK Jr. of "lecturing" and "not doing enough" to repeal the PREP Act, while Rice defended RFK Jr. as a necessary voice challenging the establishment.

  • The debate took place in the comments section of Rice's article, published on March 6, 2026.

The players

Sasha Latypova

A prominent COVID-19 critic and Substack writer who has been highly critical of RFK Jr. and his role in the anti-vaccine movement.

Bill Rice Jr.

A Substack writer and long-time subscriber to Latypova's newsletter, who defended RFK Jr. in the heated debate.

RFK Jr.

The controversial former HHS Secretary under the Trump administration, who has been a leading figure in the anti-vaccine movement.

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What they’re saying

“There is NO DIFFERENCE between RFK Jr and a 'pharma stooge.' Just as covid 'vaccines' are indistinguishable from bioweapons, RFK Jr currently is indistinguishable from a pharma asset. And he is doing this voluntarily!”

— Sasha Latypova (Substack)

“Kennedy hasn't accomplished anything whatsoever, much less significant. All he did was single-handedly launch the anti-vaccine movement. No Kennedy; no significant organization would be questioning the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.”

— Bill Rice Jr. (Substack)

What’s next

The debate between Latypova and Rice is likely to continue, as the divisions within the COVID-19 skeptic community show no signs of abating. It remains to be seen how these tensions will impact the broader anti-vaccine movement going forward.

The takeaway

The heated exchange between Latypova and Rice highlights the growing fractures within the COVID-19 skeptic community, as prominent figures clash over strategy and the role of key figures like RFK Jr. These divisions could undermine the effectiveness of the movement in challenging COVID-19 policies and may be exploited by those seeking to discredit the anti-vaccine cause.