Washington D.C. – When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies before the Senate Appropriations Committee today, he owes explanations for more than just his failures in Iran. Earlier this month, it was confirmed that the recent death of an Air Force recruit at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland was “caused by a flu virus that has swept the base” on the heels of Sec. Hegseth’s reckless order to rescind the flu vaccine requirement in April.
“Secretary Hegseth marched in line with RFK Jr.’s unfounded anti-vax agenda and it got an American soldier killed,” said Brad Woodhouse, president of Protect Our Care. “Hegseth gambled with the lives of service members by removing a safe and proven shield against deadly disease, and it predictably backfired. Military readiness suffered and a young Airman paid the ultimate price for Hegseth’s incompetence and arrogance. No one in the Trump administration has taken any responsibility for this tragedy, least of all the commander-in-chief who has encouraged RFK Jr.’s war on vaccines all along. Senators should demand accountability, starting today.”
BACKGROUND:
- San Antonio Express-News: Air Force confirms first death in Lackland flu outbreak, Rep. Castro says
- Washington Post (Editorial): Pete Hegseth’s reckless vaccine policy backfires with flu outbreak
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