Emails Reveal RFK Jr Met Ambassador Scott Brown Before Controversial Samoa Trip
Newly released records obtained by the Guardian have shed light on the relationship between Robert F Kennedy Jr and Scott Brown, detailing a meeting between the two just days before Kennedy's 2019 trip to Samoa. This visit later drew intense scrutiny as it preceded a devastating measles outbreak that claimed 83 lives, primarily young children.
Background of the Kennedy-Brown Alliance
When Robert F Kennedy Jr launched his presidential bid as a Democrat in 2023, he found an unexpected supporter in Scott Brown, a former Republican senator. Brown, known for hosting Republican candidates at his New Hampshire barbecues, extended an invitation to Kennedy in September 2023, drawing a record crowd. Their connection deepened when Kennedy, after switching to an independent run, reportedly considered Brown as a vice-presidential candidate, though Brown declined. Brown, now campaigning for a Senate seat in New Hampshire, has publicly stated that he assisted Kennedy in preparing for Senate confirmation hearings for the role of US health secretary.
Details of the 2019 Samoa Trip and Embassy Involvement
The emails reveal that Kennedy traveled to Samoa in June 2019, a time when vaccination rates had plummeted following a tragic incident where two babies died from a tainted vaccine. As head of a US anti-vaccine organization, Kennedy's trip aimed to raise awareness about vaccine concerns, according to embassy communications. Antone Greubel, the deputy chief of mission in Samoa, alerted Ambassador Brown about Kennedy's motivations, noting that the visit was related to vaccination issues. Despite Greubel's efforts to distance the embassy from the trip, emails confirm that Brown met with Kennedy at the US embassy, though the specifics of their discussion remain unclear.
Impact on Measles Outbreak and Political Fallout
Months after Kennedy's departure, Samoa was hit by a severe measles outbreak, with health officials linking his visit to bolstering local anti-vaccine activists. Kennedy has denied any responsibility, claiming his trip had "nothing to do with vaccines," but emails contradict this testimony, showing embassy awareness of his vaccine-related agenda. The outbreak has since become a focal point in political debates, with vaccine policy emerging as a hot topic in the midterms, potentially affecting Republican candidates due to Kennedy's anti-vaccine stance.
Broader Political Context and Current Developments
Scott Brown, appointed as ambassador to Samoa and New Zealand by Donald Trump, is now running in a competitive Republican primary for a Senate seat in New Hampshire, where control of the Senate hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, Kennedy, after Trump's 2024 election victory, was nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, facing intense scrutiny over his Samoa trip during confirmation hearings. Brown has admitted to helping Kennedy prepare for these hearings, though it is unknown if the Samoa visit was discussed. The released emails, obtained through a lawsuit, continue to fuel debates over transparency and accountability in US politics and public health.
