Analysts from Cantor Fitzgerald, previously led by Howard Lutnick, former Secretary of Commerce in the Trump administration, have recommended the removal of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy, a prominent skeptic of vaccines, recently announced intentions to restructure federal public health agencies, potentially resulting in the dismissal of numerous employees.

In a statement on Monday, Cantor analysts Josh Schimmer and Eric Schmidt expressed concerns that Kennedy's actions were eroding the established leadership within the healthcare sector. They criticized Kennedy for his anti-vaccine beliefs and lack of proper qualifications to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

Following reports of the resignation of Peter Marks, the top vaccine official at the Food and Drug Administration, due to the ongoing overhaul of federal health agencies by the Trump administration, Cantor Fitzgerald made these recommendations. Lutnick, the longtime CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald who moved to head the commerce department under Trump, passed on his responsibilities within the company to his sons, Brandon and Kyle Lutnick.

The action against Marks resulted in a decrease in biotechnology and vaccine stocks on the market. Cantor analysts clarified that their suggestions were made with a focus on protecting the public's health rather than influencing politics or financial markets.

They underscored that Marks, known for his evidence-based approach to vaccine safety, was dedicated to prioritizing public health over any anti-science sentiments. In contrast, they pointed out that Kennedy's approach did not align with promoting public health safety.

The analysts expressed optimism that the government would recognize the importance of vaccines in safeguarding the population, highlighting the need for officials to appreciate the significant role that vaccinations play in preserving public health.