Michael Scherer
@michaelscherer.bsky.social
Staff Writer at The Atlantic. Previously at the Washington Post, TIME, Salon, others. Signal: michaelscherer.11
https://www.theatlantic.com/author/michael-scherer/
https://www.theatlantic.com/author/michael-scherer/
Reposted by Michael Scherer
Well-reported, this story is quite revealing.
It seems that RFK, Jr. may be genuinely trying to evaluate scientific evidence, but he cherry-picks evidence to support his preconceived views and dismisses other evidence as corrupt.
#ScienceNotScience
1/4
It seems that RFK, Jr. may be genuinely trying to evaluate scientific evidence, but he cherry-picks evidence to support his preconceived views and dismisses other evidence as corrupt.
#ScienceNotScience
1/4
NEW: When RFK Jr. first told Trump that Tylenol might cause autism, the president wanted to tweet out a warning. Kennedy told him not to do that. There was nuance, and the drug companies would push back. “I don’t give a shit about that,” Trump responded. www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
The Most Powerful Man in Science
Why is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. so convinced he’s right?
www.theatlantic.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Well-reported, this story is quite revealing.
It seems that RFK, Jr. may be genuinely trying to evaluate scientific evidence, but he cherry-picks evidence to support his preconceived views and dismisses other evidence as corrupt.
#ScienceNotScience
1/4
It seems that RFK, Jr. may be genuinely trying to evaluate scientific evidence, but he cherry-picks evidence to support his preconceived views and dismisses other evidence as corrupt.
#ScienceNotScience
1/4
Reposted by Michael Scherer
November 25, 2025 at 10:14 PM
November 25, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Reposted by Michael Scherer
@theatlantic.com staff writer Michael Scherer talks about his new cover story on HHS Secretary RFK, Jr.: www.wnyc.org/story/rfk-jr...
RFK Jr.'s Mission | The Brian Lehrer Show | WNYC
Michael Scherer, staff writer at The Atlantic, talks about his cover story on HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and other news.
www.wnyc.org
November 25, 2025 at 7:40 PM
@theatlantic.com staff writer Michael Scherer talks about his new cover story on HHS Secretary RFK, Jr.: www.wnyc.org/story/rfk-jr...
Reposted by Michael Scherer
MS NOW confirms: The FBI is working with Capitol Police to schedule interviews with the six Democratic lawmakers who urged service members to refuse to comply with illegal orders.
November 25, 2025 at 5:26 PM
MS NOW confirms: The FBI is working with Capitol Police to schedule interviews with the six Democratic lawmakers who urged service members to refuse to comply with illegal orders.
Reposted by Michael Scherer
In 1968, a soldier named Hugh Thompson defied orders to save Vietnamese lives during the My Lai massacre. Eventually seen as a hero, in real time he was vilified and nearly court-martialed
It's Congress' job to stop Trump's war crimes, not the troops. My new column www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
It's Congress' job to stop Trump's war crimes, not the troops. My new column www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
The Catch-22 around Trump’s illegal orders | Will Bunch Newsletter
Plus, Pennsylvania chooses a budget over the planet.
www.inquirer.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:52 PM
In 1968, a soldier named Hugh Thompson defied orders to save Vietnamese lives during the My Lai massacre. Eventually seen as a hero, in real time he was vilified and nearly court-martialed
It's Congress' job to stop Trump's war crimes, not the troops. My new column www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
It's Congress' job to stop Trump's war crimes, not the troops. My new column www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
Reposted by Michael Scherer
So, let's first discuss how this is not the purpose of science
“The entire purpose of science is to search for existential truths,” Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told me. “It’s not subjective. It should be objective. I believe science is a place where you can find unity if you can get a conversation going.” www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Why Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. So Convinced He’s Right?
How an outsider, once ignored by the public-health establishment, became the most powerful man in science
www.theatlantic.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:05 PM
So, let's first discuss how this is not the purpose of science
Reposted by Michael Scherer
Dude who just got the SV Bank bailout two years ago is back banging the cup. It’s a tell.
November 24, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Dude who just got the SV Bank bailout two years ago is back banging the cup. It’s a tell.
Reposted by Michael Scherer
Seems fine www.washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
November 24, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Seems fine www.washingtonpost.com/politics/int...
Reposted by Michael Scherer
Over several interviews, RFK Jr. told @michaelscherer.bsky.social about how he plans to remake America’s public-health system. Can he lead the scientific establishment he has crusaded against? www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Why Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. So Convinced He’s Right?
How an outsider, once ignored by the public-health establishment, became the most powerful man in science
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/01/rfk-jr-public-health-science/684948/?gift[…]8&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share
November 24, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Over several interviews, RFK Jr. told @michaelscherer.bsky.social about how he plans to remake America’s public-health system. Can he lead the scientific establishment he has crusaded against? www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Reposted by Michael Scherer
Chilling quote re vaccines from pediatrician Paul Offit in this RFK profile @michaelscherer.bsky.social: “I don’t think there is any way to regain that trust other than have the viruses do the education, and the bacteria do the education, and then people will realize they paid way too high a cost."
November 24, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Chilling quote re vaccines from pediatrician Paul Offit in this RFK profile @michaelscherer.bsky.social: “I don’t think there is any way to regain that trust other than have the viruses do the education, and the bacteria do the education, and then people will realize they paid way too high a cost."
Reposted by Michael Scherer
"Kennedy is a 'liar' and a 'terrible human being,' Paul Offit told me. 'If he has data showing he’s right, then fucking publish it. He can’t, because he doesn’t have those data.'"
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Why Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. So Convinced He’s Right?
How an outsider, once ignored by the public-health establishment, became the most powerful man in science
www.theatlantic.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:18 PM
"Kennedy is a 'liar' and a 'terrible human being,' Paul Offit told me. 'If he has data showing he’s right, then fucking publish it. He can’t, because he doesn’t have those data.'"
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Reposted by Michael Scherer
Like Trump, Kennedy has drafted on the currents of populist backlash against expert authority. “When I’m on the street, I get stopped three times a block by people saying that they love me,” he said.
NEW: When RFK Jr. first told Trump that Tylenol might cause autism, the president wanted to tweet out a warning. Kennedy told him not to do that. There was nuance, and the drug companies would push back. “I don’t give a shit about that,” Trump responded. www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
The Most Powerful Man in Science
Why is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. so convinced he’s right?
www.theatlantic.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Like Trump, Kennedy has drafted on the currents of populist backlash against expert authority. “When I’m on the street, I get stopped three times a block by people saying that they love me,” he said.
“The entire purpose of science is to search for existential truths,” Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told me. “It’s not subjective. It should be objective. I believe science is a place where you can find unity if you can get a conversation going.” www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Why Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. So Convinced He’s Right?
How an outsider, once ignored by the public-health establishment, became the most powerful man in science
www.theatlantic.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:10 PM
“The entire purpose of science is to search for existential truths,” Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told me. “It’s not subjective. It should be objective. I believe science is a place where you can find unity if you can get a conversation going.” www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Reposted by Michael Scherer
Everything about this might be the saddest thing I’ve ever seen
November 24, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Everything about this might be the saddest thing I’ve ever seen
Reposted by Michael Scherer
1/ This is a devastatingly good article on RFK Jr by @michaelscherer.bsky.social. Even if you’re someone, like me, who has followed this arc and his devastating impact on public health, it’s a must read. Gift link: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Why Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. So Convinced He’s Right?
How an outsider, once ignored by the public-health establishment, became the most powerful man in science
www.theatlantic.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:41 PM
1/ This is a devastatingly good article on RFK Jr by @michaelscherer.bsky.social. Even if you’re someone, like me, who has followed this arc and his devastating impact on public health, it’s a must read. Gift link: www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Reposted by Michael Scherer
CNBC: My understanding is the White House said that China was gonna buy 12 million tons of soybeans from the US by January. That's approaching and they've only purchased 332,000. China has not confirmed that pledge.
BROOKE ROLLINS: Your point is salient. We've got a significant way to go
BROOKE ROLLINS: Your point is salient. We've got a significant way to go
November 24, 2025 at 1:40 PM
CNBC: My understanding is the White House said that China was gonna buy 12 million tons of soybeans from the US by January. That's approaching and they've only purchased 332,000. China has not confirmed that pledge.
BROOKE ROLLINS: Your point is salient. We've got a significant way to go
BROOKE ROLLINS: Your point is salient. We've got a significant way to go
NEW: When RFK Jr. first told Trump that Tylenol might cause autism, the president wanted to tweet out a warning. Kennedy told him not to do that. There was nuance, and the drug companies would push back. “I don’t give a shit about that,” Trump responded. www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
The Most Powerful Man in Science
Why is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. so convinced he’s right?
www.theatlantic.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:18 AM
NEW: When RFK Jr. first told Trump that Tylenol might cause autism, the president wanted to tweet out a warning. Kennedy told him not to do that. There was nuance, and the drug companies would push back. “I don’t give a shit about that,” Trump responded. www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Reposted by Michael Scherer
Extensive profile of RFK Jr., including many fascinating interviews, from @michaelscherer.bsky.social:
The Most Powerful Man in Science
Why is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. so convinced he’s right?
www.theatlantic.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Extensive profile of RFK Jr., including many fascinating interviews, from @michaelscherer.bsky.social:
When I first met with RFK Jr. for this story, he told me his staff thought it was a bad idea. A few months later, he accused me of being a scorpion who had tricked him. But we kept talking. www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
The Most Powerful Man in Science
Why is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. so convinced he’s right?
www.theatlantic.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:09 AM
When I first met with RFK Jr. for this story, he told me his staff thought it was a bad idea. A few months later, he accused me of being a scorpion who had tricked him. But we kept talking. www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Reposted by Michael Scherer
Dem Aftyn Behn legged out to a huge fundraising advantage between Oct. 1 and Nov. 12, per new FEC reports. During that time, she raised $1 million for the #TN07 special. Republican Matt Van Epps raised $591K during the same timeframe.
She also had $522K in cash left for the stretch run, vs. $231K.
She also had $522K in cash left for the stretch run, vs. $231K.
November 23, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Dem Aftyn Behn legged out to a huge fundraising advantage between Oct. 1 and Nov. 12, per new FEC reports. During that time, she raised $1 million for the #TN07 special. Republican Matt Van Epps raised $591K during the same timeframe.
She also had $522K in cash left for the stretch run, vs. $231K.
She also had $522K in cash left for the stretch run, vs. $231K.
Reposted by Michael Scherer
Reposted by Michael Scherer
Terrific reporting from @lizcgoodwin.bsky.social and Yasmeen Abutaleb -- AOC built her own political machine. Now she’s deciding her next move. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
AOC built her own political machine. Now she’s deciding her next move.
Seven years after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez leapt onto the national stage as an outsider, she’s learned an inside game and is considering a run for Senate or president.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Terrific reporting from @lizcgoodwin.bsky.social and Yasmeen Abutaleb -- AOC built her own political machine. Now she’s deciding her next move. www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Michael Scherer
Reposted by Michael Scherer
For example, the incident on October 23 where DHS claimed that Bovino was hit in the head with a rock before he deployed tear gas at protestors?
That didn't happen. He fired tear gas and then AFTERWARDS, someone threw a rock. He went back and forth on this under oath, repeatedly changing his story.
That didn't happen. He fired tear gas and then AFTERWARDS, someone threw a rock. He went back and forth on this under oath, repeatedly changing his story.
![Most tellingly, Bovino admitted in his deposition that he lied multiple times about the events that occurred in Little Village that prompted him to throw tear gas at protesters. As discussed further below, Bovino and DHS have represented that a rock hit Bovino in the helmet before he threw tear gas. See Doc. 190-1 at 1; Homeland Security (@DHSgov), X (Oct. 28, 2025 9:56 a.m.), https://x.com/dhsgov/status/1983186057798545573?s=46&t=4rUXTBt_W24m-uWR74DQ5A. Bovino was asked about this during his deposition, which took place over three days. On the first day, Bovino admitted that he was not hit with a rock until after he had deployed tear gas. Doc. 191-3 at 222:24–223:18. Bovino then offered a new justification for his use of chemical munitions, testifying that he only threw tear gas after he “had received a projectile, a rock,” which “almost hit” him. Doc. 191-3 at 222:24–223:18. Despite being presented with video evidence that did not show a rock thrown at him before he launched the first tear gas canister, Bovino nonetheless maintained his testimony throughout the first and second days of his deposition, id. at 225–27; Doc. 237 at 11–17. But on November 4, 2025, the final session of his deposition, Bovino admitted that he was again “mistaken” and that no rock was thrown at him before he deployed the first tear gas canister. Doc. 238 at 9:12–21 (“That white rock was . . . thrown at me, but that was after . . . I deployed less lethal means in chemical munitions.”); id. at 10:20–23 (Q. [Y]ou deployed the canisters, plural, before that black rock came along and you say hit you in the head, correct? A. Yes. Before the rock hit me in the head, yes.”).](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2vtbmhmrwzbqcfv4we4uxzzt/bafkreicw7j2w5vcipqh4vr75wu4kdmmqbqdmjkoixscqjjxkpwixh5gxru@jpeg)
November 20, 2025 at 11:14 PM
For example, the incident on October 23 where DHS claimed that Bovino was hit in the head with a rock before he deployed tear gas at protestors?
That didn't happen. He fired tear gas and then AFTERWARDS, someone threw a rock. He went back and forth on this under oath, repeatedly changing his story.
That didn't happen. He fired tear gas and then AFTERWARDS, someone threw a rock. He went back and forth on this under oath, repeatedly changing his story.