---
title: "Documents contradict RFK Jr.'s testimony on Samoa trip"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/documents-contradict-rfk-jrs-testimony-on-samoa-trip"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/documents-contradict-rfk-jrs-testimony-on-samoa-trip"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/documents-contradict-rfk-jrs-testimony-on-samoa-trip.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/documents-contradict-rfk-jrs-testimony-on-samoa-trip"
category: "Politics"
published: "2026-08-27T12:46:41.740Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-27T12:06:44.000Z"
updated: "2026-08-27T12:46:41.740Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 57
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-08-27T14:55:33.401Z"
---

# Documents contradict RFK Jr.'s testimony on Samoa trip

*New evidence suggests Health Secretary's 2019 visit to Samoa was related to vaccines, contrary to his statements.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to AP and The Guardian, with HHS providing a statement.
- Craft 57 of 100, higher is better. The story is primarily based on AP's reporting, with limited original analysis from other outlets.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines use 'Exclusive' and 'refute' to create a sense of urgency and importance.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- New documents obtained by the Associated Press and The Guardian suggest Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 2019 visit to Samoa was connected to vaccines.
- Kennedy told lawmakers his trip to Samoa had "nothing to do with vaccines," but a letter he sent to the Samoan prime minister mentioned vaccines eight times.
- The Department of Health and Human Services stated that the Samoa visit was unrelated to vaccines and called claims of Kennedy lying under oath "false and defamatory."
- Kennedy's statements have drawn scrutiny, particularly in light of a deadly measles outbreak in Samoa that followed his visit.

New documents have emerged that appear to contradict statements made by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. concerning his 2019 visit to Samoa. Kennedy had informed lawmakers during his confirmation process that the trip was unrelated to vaccines. However, a letter he sent to the Samoan prime minister at the time mentioned vaccines eight times.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) responded to inquiries by stating that Kennedy's Samoa visit was not connected to vaccines. The department also asserted that any suggestion Kennedy lied under oath is false and defamatory. Kennedy was not under oath during his confirmation hearing, though knowingly providing false testimony to Congress can be a crime.

## Conflicting accounts of the Samoa visit

During his confirmation hearings, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. repeatedly denied that his 2019 visit to Samoa had any connection to vaccines. He stated to senators that he went to introduce a medical informatics system to digitalize health records and improve efficiency. He also stated his purpose was not related to vaccines. The Associated Press and The Guardian obtained documents that they say refute these statements.

Kennedy's letter to the Samoan prime minister proposed his team conduct an assessment of what happened with the nation's measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines, noting that two children had died after receiving them. The letter stated Kennedy believed manufacturing issues could have caused the deaths. The Samoan government had halted vaccinations for 10 months following these deaths.

## What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated reports mention the specific details of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s letter to the Samoan prime minister, including the number of times vaccines were mentioned. The left and centre-rated reports included this detail, citing the Associated Press and The Guardian.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 53 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 43% (23)
- Centre: 49% (26)
- Right: 8% (4)

1 of 54 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-08-27T14:55:33.401Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 9 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-08-27T15:00:44.308Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Left-rated reports focused on the contradiction between Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s statements to lawmakers and the content of his letter to the Samoan prime minister. These reports highlighted that Kennedy used the word "vaccine" or "vaccination" eight times in his letter, while he had told Congress the trip had "nothing to do with vaccines." The reports noted that Kennedy, then an anti-vaccine activist, had pledged to maintain vaccine policies during his confirmation, but later ousted members of a federal vaccine advisory committee. The Associated Press and The Guardian were credited with obtaining the documents that refute Kennedy's testimony. Some reports mentioned that Kennedy's visit occurred before a deadly measles outbreak in Samoa.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports also highlighted the discrepancy between Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s testimony and the contents of his letter to the Samoan prime minister. These reports stated that Kennedy told lawmakers his 2019 visit to Samoa had "nothing to do with vaccines," but new documents obtained by the Associated Press and The Guardian refute this. The reports noted that Kennedy's letter mentioned vaccines eight times. The Department of Health and Human Services was quoted as saying the visit was unrelated to vaccines and that claims of Kennedy lying under oath were "false and defamatory."

### Right

- Right-rated reports stated that new documents refute Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s testimony that a visit to Samoa had "nothing to do with vaccines." The reports indicated that the Associated Press and The Guardian obtained documents that contradict statements made by Kennedy during congressional hearings.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 2
- high: 28
- unknown: 3
- veryHigh: 21

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Bay News 9](http://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/politics/2026/08/27/robert-f--kennedy-jr--samoa-trip-vaccines-letter-refutes-congress-testimony) — RFK Jr. claimed Samoa trip unrelated to vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Spectrum News 13](http://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/politics/2026/08/27/robert-f--kennedy-jr--samoa-trip-vaccines-letter-refutes-congress-testimony) — RFK Jr. claimed Samoa trip unrelated to vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Oskaloosa Herald](https://oskaloosa.com/news/national_news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents/article_2a92e8e4-c9e4-5c05-88e4-ac45198e1631.html) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [PBS NewsHour](https://pbs.org/newshour/politics/ap-report-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that) — AP report: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Spectrum Local News](https://spectrumlocalnews.com/us/snplus/politics/2026/08/27/robert-f--kennedy-jr--samoa-trip-vaccines-letter-refutes-congress-testimony) — RFK Jr. claimed Samoa trip unrelated to vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Globo](https://g1.globo.com/mundo/noticia/2026/08/27/robert-f-kennedy-jr-mentiu-ao-congresso-americano-sobre-viagem-para-contestar-vacinas-diz-agencia.ghtml) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Lied to the American Congress About Travel to Challenge Vaccines, Says Agency
- [STAT](https://statnews.com/2026/08/27/kennedy-samoa-trip-mmr-vaccine-new-documents) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Forbes](https://forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2026/08/27/rfk-jr-lied-to-about-famous-samoan-trip-during-confirmation-hearings-new-letter-indicates) — RFK Jr. Lied About Famous Samoan Trip During Confirmation Hearings, New Letter Indicates
- [Bowen Island Undercurrent](https://bowenislandundercurrent.com/world-news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-12712374) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [StratfordToday.ca](https://stratfordtoday.ca/world-news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-12712371) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [burlingtontoday.com](https://burlingtontoday.com/world-news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-12712371) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Castanet](https://castanet.net/news/World/629357/Exclusive-RFK-Jr-said-a-Samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-New-documents-refute-that) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Chicago Tribune](https://chicagotribune.com/2026/08/27/rfk-jr-samoa-trip) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Joe.My.God.](https://joemygod.com/2026/08/ap-docs-show-rfk-lied-during-confirmation-hearing) — Docs Show RFK Lied During Confirmation Hearing
- [My Mother Lode](https://mymotherlode.com/news/national/11096924/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that.html) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [CTV News](https://ctvnews.ca/world/article/rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-ap-exclusive) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that: AP exclusive
- [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/08/27/rfk-jr-samoa-trip-vaccines) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/national/2026/08/new-documents-refute-rfk-jr-s-senate-testimony-that-a-visit-to-samoa-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines) — New documents refute RFK Jr.‘s Senate testimony that a visit to Samoa had ‘nothing to do with vaccines’
- [Wral News](https://wral.com/news/ap/ba6ad-exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [WBAL](https://wbal.com/new-documents-refute-rfk-jr-s-senate-testimony-that-a-visit-to-samoa-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines) — New documents refute RFK Jr.'s Senate testimony that a visit to S
- [The Toronto Star](https://thestar.com/news/world/united-states/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that/article_472366b8-66b3-5c9a-b69a-8487edecee55.html) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Rocky Mountain Outlook](https://rmoutlook.com/world-news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-12712371) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [SooToday.com](https://sootoday.com/world-news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-12712371) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Orillia Matters](https://orilliamatters.com/world-news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-12712371) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Battlefords NOW](https://battlefordsnow.com/2026/08/27/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [meadowlakeNOW](https://meadowlakenow.com/2026/08/27/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Sudbury](https://sudbury.com/world-news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-12712371) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [thealbertan.com](https://thealbertan.com/world-news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-12712371) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Ckpg Today](https://ckpgtoday.ca/2026/08/27/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [flamboroughtoday.com](https://flamboroughtoday.com/world-news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-12712371) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [nanaimonewsnow.com](https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/08/27/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Airdrie City View](https://airdriecityview.com/world-news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-12712371) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Elora Fergus Today](https://elorafergustoday.com/world-news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-12712371) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Bay Today](https://baytoday.ca/world-news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-12712371) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [The NOTL Local](https://notllocal.com/world-news/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that-12712371) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/samoa-congress-bill-cassidy-mmr-exclusive-b3040305.html) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Associated Press News](https://apnews.com/article/rfk-jr-kennedy-american-samoa-vaccines-mmr-ba6ad3ffadca48599b1c178a392fb37b) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/world/americas/samoa-congress-bill-cassidy-mmr-exclusive-b3040305.html) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [NewsNation](https://newsnationnow.com/politics/ap-politics/ap-exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [CT Insider](https://ctinsider.com/news/politics/article/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-22405787.php) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [abc 27](https://abc27.com/news/us-world/politics/ap-exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/politics/2026/08/27/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Click on Detroit](https://clickondetroit.com/news/politics/2026/08/27/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that) — RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [News 4 JAX](https://news4jax.com/news/politics/2026/08/27/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [Cecil Daily](https://cecildaily.com/ap/nation/new-documents-refute-rfk-jr-s-senate-testimony-that-a-visit-to-samoa-had-nothing/article_ab70e66d-1645-5452-b772-048b678e1422.html) — New documents refute RFK Jr.‘s Senate testimony that a visit to Samoa had ‘nothing to do with vaccines’
- [Chronicle Online](https://chronicleonline.com/news/national/new-documents-refute-rfk-jr-s-senate-testimony-that-a-visit-to-samoa-had-nothing/article_9f6e6b24-ea0b-5c19-9d2e-eafb1981154b.html) — New documents refute RFK Jr.‘s Senate testimony that a visit to Samoa had ‘nothing to do with vaccines’
- [Hastings Tribune](https://hastingstribune.com/ap/agriculture/new-documents-refute-rfk-jr-s-senate-testimony-that-a-visit-to-samoa-had-nothing/article_cb319d20-08ca-51a2-8583-8f7cc9c65245.html) — New documents refute RFK Jr.‘s Senate testimony that a visit to Samoa had ‘nothing to do with vaccines’
- [McAlester News-Capital](https://mcalesternews.com/region/new-documents-refute-rfk-jr-s-senate-testimony-that-a-visit-to-samoa-had-nothing/article_26d50bbd-4ac6-54e6-8157-0ed8bf0fec15.html) — New documents refute RFK Jr.‘s Senate testimony that a visit to Samoa had ‘nothing to do with vaccines’
- [Political Wire](https://politicalwire.com/2026/08/27/rfk-jr-lied-in-senate-confirmation-hearings) — RFK Jr Lied in Senate Confirmation Hearings
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/life/health-wellness/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that/article_ec67ea6a-84f4-5050-96c9-16421f18f901.html) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [The Record](https://therecord.com/life/health-wellness/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that/article_02bbd7d7-d9b6-5228-9219-166f7da8561e.html) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that
- [TMZ](https://tmz.com/2026/08/27/rfk-jr-reason-for-samoa-trip-questioned) — RFK Jr.'s Samoa Trip Was Seemingly About Vaccines Despite Confirmation Hearing Denial
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/health/2026/08/27/exclusive-rfk-jr-said-a-samoa-trip-had-nothing-to-do-with-vaccines-new-documents-refute-that) — Exclusive: RFK Jr. said a Samoa trip had nothing to do with vaccines. New documents refute that

## Questions

**What did Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tell lawmakers about his 2019 trip to Samoa?**

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. repeatedly told lawmakers during his confirmation process that his 2019 visit to Samoa had "nothing to do with vaccines." He stated his purpose was to introduce a medical informatics system to improve health delivery efficiency.

**What do new documents suggest about the Samoa trip?**

New documents obtained by the Associated Press and The Guardian appear to contradict Kennedy's statements. A letter he sent to the Samoan prime minister at the time mentioned vaccines eight times, suggesting a connection between the visit and vaccine-related matters.

**What is the Department of Health and Human Services' stance on the matter?**

The Department of Health and Human Services stated that the Samoa visit was unrelated to vaccines. The department also issued a statement calling any claim or insinuation that Secretary Kennedy lied under oath "false and defamatory."

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/documents-contradict-rfk-jrs-testimony-on-samoa-trip. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Documents contradict RFK Jr.'s testimony on Samoa trip", https://mediabias.news/politics/documents-contradict-rfk-jrs-testimony-on-samoa-trip