RFK Jr.’s germ theory denial challenged and fact‑checked in Senate hearing

### Claim 1: Sen. Bernie Sanders confronted Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about his rejection of germ theory during a Congressional hearing on Wednesday. Evidence: During the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing on April 22, 2026, Senator Bernie Sanders directly questioned Kennedy about his denial of germ theory, the established scientific principle that specific microbes cause specific diseases. Multiple news reports confirm the exchange took place as described. Verdict: True. Analysis: The confrontation highlighted Kennedy’s longstanding opposition to germ theory, a stance he has promoted in his 2021 book and public commentary, bringing a fringe view into a high‑profile legislative setting.

### Claim 2: Senator Bill Cassidy fact‑checked and debunked Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s denialist arguments in real time during the same hearing. Evidence: After Kennedy defended his position, Senator Bill Cassidy intervened, presenting scientific evidence that counters Kennedy’s terrain‑theory‑based assertions and correcting his misstatements about disease causation. Reports from the hearing describe Cassidy’s remarks as a real‑time fact‑check. Verdict: True. Analysis: Cassidy’s intervention provided a direct, evidence‑based rebuttal to Kennedy’s claims, illustrating how congressional hearings can serve as a platform for correcting misinformation on public health topics.

### Claim 3: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his Make America Healthy Again movement have recently shifted to support increasing production of glyphosate, aligning with Trump administration policies. Evidence: While Kennedy’s movement has historically opposed pesticides such as glyphosate, the available sources only mention a possible shift as a brief parenthetical note without specific documentation of timing, extent, or policy alignment. Verdict: Unverifiable. Analysis: The lack of concrete evidence means the claim cannot be confirmed or refuted at this time; further reporting would be needed to verify any change in Kennedy’s stance on glyphosate.

Watch for any follow‑up statements from Kennedy or the MAHA movement regarding glyphosate policy, and for potential legislative actions that could address vaccine misinformation or pesticide regulation.