Dr. Richard Bartlett joined the show to weigh in on the recent shift in CDC recommendations on the COVID-19 vaccine and offer a sweeping critique of pandemic-era policies, pharmaceutical companies, and public health agencies.
The conversation followed the announcement that the CDC had removed its recommendation of the COVID vaccine for healthy children and pregnant women. The change was delivered via a mock press conference skit led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent independent candidate for president and vocal critic of vaccine mandates. Jacobson noted that the decision reflects a global trend, with countries like France and the UK already limiting COVID booster eligibility to elderly and high-risk individuals.
Dr. Bartlett, a longtime emergency room physician and former member of Texas Governor Rick Perry’s healthcare task force, praised the CDC’s shift as a long-overdue return to common sense. He cited CDC data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) claiming over 38,000 deaths and more than 1.6 million injuries linked to the vaccine. He encouraged listeners to visit Dr. James Thorp’s website for additional documentation related to adverse pregnancy outcomes allegedly connected to COVID vaccination.
Bartlett also alleged that people inside the pharmaceutical industry were hesitant about the vaccine, sharing a story from a funeral where he spoke with a Pfizer employee who claimed that few in her office received the shots. He further referenced widely disputed claims that the mRNA vaccines contain HIV-related sequences, an assertion that has been refuted by numerous medical organizations.
The conversation moved beyond COVID to broader frustrations with federal agencies and media coverage. Bartlett criticized what he called “fear campaigns” surrounding the virus and new variants like NB.1.81, which has been associated with increased hospitalizations in China. Despite those reports, he said COVID cases in his emergency department have become rare, and most recent patients are presenting with flu, strep, or injuries.
Bartlett also responded to questions about “turbo cancer,” a controversial term circulating in vaccine-skeptical circles. He referenced a Cambridge University study that he said showed abnormal protein creation due to mRNA vaccines, which could lead to immune dysfunction and increase cancer risks. He emphasized the need for long-term safety data, warning against rapidly deploying new vaccines without full testing.
In a wide-ranging critique of foreign aid programs and government spending, Bartlett praised RFK Jr. for pushing to defund international programs he described as wasteful, such as arts projects and poppy field irrigation in Afghanistan. He also credited RFK with pulling the U.S. out of World Health Organization funding and framed the broader movement as part of a campaign to “Make America Healthy Again.”
The discussion turned to measles near the end of the interview, with Bartlett refuting claims that the United States is facing a major outbreak. He noted that while Europe is experiencing its worst measles rates in 25 years, Texas has reported fewer than 10 contagious individuals statewide. He cited two counties in the Amarillo area where recent cases involved vaccinated individuals, suggesting questions remain about long-term vaccine efficacy.
Despite controversy surrounding many of his views, Bartlett said he continues to be recognized in his local Texas community for his work during the pandemic. He recently received a “Hometown Hero” award and was honored with a day named after him by his city council.