Del Bigtree, a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement, has achieved unprecedented financial success for his nonprofit organization, the Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN), as revealed by recent tax filings. In 2023, ICAN reported a staggering $23 million in revenue, marking a 74% increase from the previous year. This growth underscores the escalating influence and profitability of anti-vaccine advocacy amidst ongoing public health debates.
ICAN allocated nearly $17 million of its revenue to various initiatives, including legal battles and advocacy efforts against vaccines, which represents a 25% increase in spending compared to last year. These figures highlight how the pandemic has amplified organizations like ICAN, which previously reported only $3.5 million in revenue back in 2019. Despite extensive scientific research confirming the safety and efficacy of vaccines—demonstrating they do not cause autism—misinformation continues to thrive, drawing more supporters to anti-vaccine narratives.
Interestingly, while ICAN flourished, revenue for Children’s Health Defense, another major anti-vaccine group founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., saw a decline of over 30%, dropping to $16 million last year. This downturn coincided with Kennedy’s decision to step away from his leadership roles to pursue an unsuccessful presidential campaign.
Bigtree’s rise within the anti-vaccine community has been marked by his role as communications director for Kennedy’s campaign and his hosting of “The HighWire,” an internet show that promotes anti-vaccine content. His organization has celebrated several legal victories, including a recent ruling that compelled Mississippi to allow religious exemptions from vaccination mandates. ICAN plans to replicate this success in other states that currently do not permit such exemptions.
Funding for ICAN comes from individual supporters and large donations through family foundations and donor-advised funds, although specific donor identities remain undisclosed due to the organization’s reporting structure. The group’s largest expenditure last year was $6 million paid to the New York law firm Siri & Glimstad, which specializes in public records requests and vaccine-related litigation. Critics have accused ICAN of exploiting legal avenues while misrepresenting court decisions to galvanize its base.
Bigtree himself earned a salary of $234,000 from ICAN in 2023, alongside additional income from consulting work related to Kennedy’s campaign. He now leads a super PAC and a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting health initiatives aligned with Kennedy’s vision.
As misinformation about vaccines continues to proliferate, the financial success of groups like ICAN raises significant concerns about public health and safety. Experts warn that the growing influence of such organizations could have lasting implications for future vaccination efforts and public trust in health authorities.
Read more:
New COVID Vaccine Launch Imminent: Key Timing for Optimal Immunity
Uk Doctors Warn Parents: Water Beads Pose Serious Risks To Children
U.S. Life Expectancy Shows Strong Recovery Amid Declining Death Rates
