
President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., faces growing opposition as senators scrutinize his controversial past on vaccines and public health policy.
Kennedy’s First Confirmation Test
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former environmental lawyer and longtime vaccine skeptic, cleared an initial hurdle in the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday. However, his confirmation battle is far from over as he now faces a critical hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee.
Three key Republican senators—Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), and HELP Chair Bill Cassidy (Louisiana)—hold considerable sway over his fate. If all three oppose him, along with at least one other Republican, Kennedy’s nomination could be blocked, despite the GOP’s 53-47 Senate majority.
Vaccine Controversy Takes Center Stage
Kennedy, once a prominent anti-vaccine activist, has attempted to downplay his past statements, telling senators:
“News reports have claimed that I’m anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither.”
However, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) pressed Kennedy aggressively, displaying images of infant onesies sold by Kennedy’s former organization, Children’s Health Defense, which featured anti-vaccine slogans. Kennedy insisted he had resigned from the group’s board, but the exchange highlighted deep concerns over his record.
Republican Skepticism Grows
Despite Trump’s backing, Kennedy faces resistance within his own party.
- Bill Cassidy, who also serves on Finance, grilled Kennedy on Medicare and Medicaid policy, and Kennedy appeared to confuse the two programs.
- Lisa Murkowski expressed reservations, saying she spoke with Kennedy about his vaccine stance and found him “skeptical but not opposed.” She has yet to decide her vote.
- Susan Collins, known for breaking with Trump on key confirmations, remains undecided.
What’s Next?
Kennedy’s HELP Committee hearing will be a pivotal moment. If enough Republicans defect, his nomination could fail, dealing a blow to Trump’s effort to reshape federal health policy.
With vaccine oversight and public health agencies under the committee’s purview, expect more heated exchanges over Kennedy’s record before a final Senate vote.
COMMENTS