Healthcare Experts Dispute RFK Jr.'s Recent Claims

Professionals push back on statements made by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In a recent speech at the Tennessee State Capitol, Secretary of Health and Human Services RFK Jr. made several controversial statements about mental health treatments and diagnoses. Healthcare professionals, including a Harvard doctor, have since spoken out to dispute RFK Jr.'s claims, calling them inaccurate and not reflective of established medical consensus.

Why it matters

As a high-ranking government official overseeing healthcare policy, RFK Jr.'s statements carry significant weight and influence. However, his claims appear to contradict the views of medical experts, raising concerns about the potential impact on public understanding of mental health issues and treatment.

The details

In his speech, RFK Jr. made claims about the effectiveness of mental health "cures" and the validity of bipolar disorder diagnoses. Christopher M. Palmer, a Harvard doctor, told the Harvard Crimson that RFK Jr.'s use of the term "cure" is misleading, as severe mental illness often requires ongoing treatment rather than a one-time fix. Experts have also disputed RFK Jr.'s statements about bipolar disorder, saying they are not supported by scientific evidence.

  • On February 8, 2026, RFK Jr. gave a speech at the Tennessee State Capitol.
  • On February 10, 2026, Christopher M. Palmer spoke out against RFK Jr.'s claims in an interview with the Harvard Crimson.

The players

RFK Jr.

The current Secretary of Health and Human Services, who made controversial statements about mental health treatments and diagnoses in a recent speech.

Christopher M. Palmer

A Harvard doctor who took issue with RFK Jr.'s use of the term "cure" in relation to mental illness, stating that it does not accurately reflect the ongoing nature of treatment for severe mental health conditions.

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What they’re saying

“'Cure' implies that you can do the treatment for a short time, stop the treatment, and your illness never comes back. That's not at all what I've seen in patients with severe mental illness.”

— Christopher M. Palmer, Harvard doctor (Harvard Crimson)

What’s next

Healthcare professionals and experts are expected to continue to scrutinize and respond to RFK Jr.'s statements, potentially leading to further public debate and clarification on the issues of mental health treatment and diagnosis.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of healthcare leaders and policymakers basing their statements and decisions on established medical consensus, rather than making claims that contradict the views of subject matter experts. The public's understanding of mental health issues can be significantly impacted by the rhetoric used by those in positions of authority.