US health committee report cites nonexistent research papers
A US health committee report led by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cited seven nonexistent research papers on topics including childhood antidepressant use. Media outlets reported that generative AI may have been used in the report's production, and the government subsequently corrected and republished the document.
What happened
The MAHA Committee, led by US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., published a report on childhood chronic diseases on May 22, 2025, following an executive order signed by President Trump.
Media outlet Novarahub reported on May 29 that seven papers cited in the report on topics including childhood antidepressant use did not exist, though the researchers named as authors were real people who denied involvement with the papers as cited.
Reported impact
US media raised questions about the credibility and reliability of the report, reportedly suggesting that generative AI may have been used and overlooked in producing it.
Index analysis
The report cited over 500 sources but included fabricated references to nonexistent research papers, indicating failure in verification of cited materials.
Governance controls
The government modified the report and republished a corrected version.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.