Failures uncovered as US health secretary touted ‘gold-standard’ science in health report ordered by Trump team
Robert F Kennedy Jr’s flagship health commission report contains citations to studies that do not exist, according to an investigation by the US publication Notus.
The report exposes glaring scientific failures from a health secretary who earlier this week threatened to ban government scientists from publishing in leading medical journals.
The 73-page “Make America healthy again” report – which was commissioned by the Trump administration to examine the causes of chronic illness, and which Kennedy promoted it as “gold-standard” science backed by more than 500 citations – includes references to seven studies that appear to be entirely invented, and others that the researchers say have been mischaracterized.
This report is concerning — citing studies that don’t exist seriously undermines credibility, especially when claiming “gold-standard” science. I’ve seen similar issues when relying too heavily on AI-generated summaries, which can invent or misrepresent sources. I’ve experimented with an online tool that can convert robotic AI text into natural writing, but even then, it’s crucial to double-check facts. Tools help with readability, but they can’t replace careful verification of sources and data.