“When Did We Stop Listening to Experts?”: CNN’s Bolduan Clashes Over RFK Jr. Nomination

CNN’s Kate Bolduan engaged in a heated exchange with conservative commentator Shermichael Singleton on Tuesday over the role of experts in government following backlash to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The debate stemmed from an open letter signed by over 75 Nobel Prize winners opposing Kennedy’s nomination. The letter argued that Kennedy’s lack of credentials and controversial medical views “would put the public’s health in jeopardy.” Bolduan pressed Singleton to respond to the criticism.

“These aren’t elites, though,” Bolduan argued. “These are world-renowned leaders in fields like medicine, chemistry, economics, and physics. My thing about this is… when did we start to stop listening to people who are actual experts on things?”

Singleton disagreed, acknowledging respect for experts but asserting their views shouldn’t be immune to challenge. “Sure, I have respect for people who spent a lot of time mastering something… However, let’s look at some of the facts as it pertains to our healthcare system – 40.3 percent of Americans, according to the CDC, are obese… The United States ranks 34th in terms of our health care system.”

Bolduan interjected, bringing the conversation back to Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism. She accused such rhetoric of putting American children at risk, prompting Singleton to shift focus to expert missteps during the pandemic.

“A lot of the rhetoric we heard from many of the same experts during the Covid pandemic… now you have millions of American kids significantly behind academically,” Singleton argued. “It’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to have a healthy dose of skepticism.”

Bolduan pushed back sharply, emphasizing the importance of vaccines. “What is not in question is how many lives have actually been saved by things like the measles vaccine, the polio vaccine,” she said. “Lots of people can question how experts handled an unfolding pandemic… It’s another thing to deny the decades of data on vaccines.”

Singleton clarified he was not personally denying vaccine efficacy but maintained that questioning assumptions is valid. Bolduan, however, grew visibly frustrated.

“These things, these are like apples and oranges… Questioning Covid lockdowns is one thing. Suggesting skepticism about vaccines — that’s what’s being added together,” Bolduan said as the segment wrapped. “All right, clearly we’ve got to go because they’re about to cut my mic. Guys, thank you so much.”

The fiery exchange underscored the growing tension between public trust in scientific expertise and political skepticism, particularly as Kennedy’s controversial nomination continues to spark debate.