Pro-RFK Jr Group's New Director Called 9/11 an 'Inside Job,' Once Spewed Antisemitic Conspiracy Theories: Report

The MAHA Institute, a pro-RFK Jr organization, appointed Leland Lehrman as its executive director last month, a conspiracy theorist who previously called 9/11 an "inside job" and promoted antisemitic theories, according to a report by the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights (IREHR).

Lehrman, the great-grandson of the founder of the Rite-Aid Corporation, forayed into politics in 2008, when he unsuccessfully ran in the New Mexico Democratic primary for Senate. He campaigned on a broad platform, supporting Medicare for all, a "No Wall" immigration policy, and minimum wage increase, according to IREHR. He also ran on several anti-vaccine stances, including "Abolish or Modify Vaccination Requirement for school entry" and "Reform FDA to Limit Corporate Manipulation of Drug and Food Policy."

In the years leading up to his unsuccessful campaign, Lehrman promoted conspiracy theories about the September 11 attacks, claiming he had met a former U.S. Army intelligence captain who "substantially" deepened his belief in the so-called "9/11 Inside Job," according to IREHR.

He also endorsed the Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a widely debunked antisemitic hoax that alleges there is a Jewish plot to overthrow governments and establish global domination. The theory was debunked more than 100 years ago, Mother Jones noted, but was promoted by Lehrman as early as 2005.

Additionally, Lehrman claimed that Jews are "extremely effective executors" of the devil's plan and said it was "understandable" that some might view Judaism as the root cause of that supposed agenda.

Lehrman's controversial views have not appeared to affect his close ties to the Trump administration. According to his LinkedIn, he seemingly became acquainted with RFK Jr while volunteering for his presidential campaign in March 2023.

Now serving in a leadership role at the MAHA Institute, which is closely aligned with MAHA PAC, Lehrman has quickly developed a close relationship with the U.S. Secretary of Health. Their connection has grown so strong that Lehrman was the one to publicly announce, at the institute's founding conference, that the government would no longer recommend COVID vaccines for pregnant people and children, according to the IREHR.