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Cantor Fitzgerald analysts are calling for the dismissal of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing his controversial anti-vaccine views and lack of scientific expertise. In a note released Monday, Cantor’s Josh Schimmer and Eric Schmidt warned that Kennedy is “undermining the trusted leadership of health care in this country.”
Kennedy recently announced plans to restructure federal health agencies, potentially firing thousands of staff. The move comes on the heels of the resignation of Peter Marks, the FDA’s top vaccine official, who reportedly left under pressure from the administration. Marks had been known for his data-driven approach to vaccine safety and his resistance to what Cantor described as an “anti-science agenda.”
Biotech and vaccine stocks dropped following Marks’ resignation, with the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (NYSE:XBI) falling 3.9%. Despite the market reaction, Cantor analysts stressed their concerns were about public health, not politics or stock performance.
Cantor Fitzgerald, a major Wall Street firm previously led by Howard Lutnick—now Commerce Secretary under Trump—has recently passed leadership to his sons. Brandon Lutnick now serves as chairman, while Kyle Lutnick holds the position of executive vice chairman.
The analysts expressed hope that Washington leadership will recognize the critical role of vaccines in safeguarding public health. They emphasized the need for scientifically grounded leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services, warning that Kennedy’s conspiracy-driven stance could endanger lives.
Cantor Fitzgerald has yet to comment publicly on the matter.
This development marks a significant flashpoint in the Trump administration’s overhaul of federal health agencies, stirring concern among biotech investors and public health experts alike.
