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ArticleBy Record desk

Children’s Health Defense files RICO lawsuit against the American Academy of Pediatrics

Why it matters

The group Kennedy once led is using racketeering law against the doctors’ group that sets the tone for pediatric vaccine advice, and that is itself suing HHS over the new schedule. The two cases now run side by side.

A federal courtroom

On January 21, 2026, Children’s Health Defense filed a civil racketeering (RICO) suit against the American Academy of Pediatrics in federal court in Washington, D.C. CHD alleges the AAP’s vaccine-safety claims and recommendations are shaped by its financial ties to vaccine makers.

The same day, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into whether drug companies, pediatricians and insurers colluded to push vaccines that are not medically necessary.

CHD’s case page, linked below, has the complaint and filings.

Source

AJF reporting.

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