Public Safety

RFK Jr. ‘Very Concerned’ About Cellphone Radiation, Launches Safety Study

Analyst Blair Levin said the inquiry was unlikely to spur new wireless regulations.

Jake Neenan

Jan 20, 2026 — 3 min read

Photo of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by Melissa Majchrzak/AP

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2026 – Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a Friday interview with USA Today that he was “very concerned” about radiation from cellphones. Spokespersons for the department also told media outlets last week that HHS was undertaking a study into potential health effects of electromagnetic radiation.

That comes as the Federal Communications Commission is considering making it easier for wireless carriers to deploy new infrastructure, and is working to auction off more airwaves for mobile use. The Commerce Department is also leading an effort to find spectrum currently used by government agencies that could be vacated and sold to the carriers.

In a potential conflict between those efforts, the pro-wireless industry side is likely to win out, according to Blair Levin, policy advisor at New Street Research and former FCC chief of staff.

Post tagged in

Public Safety FCC RFK Jr. Blair Levin HHS Children's Health Defense Wireless Spectrum

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