Senate Democrats Grill Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Over Controversial Statements and Financial Interests
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced a grueling confirmation hearing on Wednesday as he testified before the Senate Finance Committee to become President Donald Trump’s Health and Human Services secretary. The hearing saw Kennedy’s critics, particularly Democrats, grill him over his controversial statements on several issues, including vaccines, abortion, and his financial interests.
Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine and anti-abortion stance, sought to downplay his past statements during the hearing. He claimed that he is now pro-vaccine and agrees with the president’s stance on abortion, saying that “states should control abortion.” However, his critics, including Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, were unsatisfied with his answers, calling them “half-truths” and saying that Kennedy is still spreading misinformation.
During the hearing, Kennedy faced several areas of contention, including his stance on COVID-19, which he called a “genetically engineered bio-weapon.” He also refused to commit to disavowing his financial interests or purge employees for political reasons, sparking concerns over his potential biases and conflicts of interest.
Kennedy’s financial disclosure forms show that he has earned over $2.4 million from litigation brought by Wisner Baum, a law firm that specializes in pharmaceutical drug injury cases. When asked to commit to not taking any compensation from such lawsuits during and after his potential role as HHS secretary, Kennedy gave mixed answers, saying he would comply with ethical guidance but not agree to not sue drug companies or others.
Despite the tense hearing, Kennedy did find some common ground with Democrats, including Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, who highlighted his views on the chronic disease epidemic and the need for a nutrition-oriented disease prevention plan. However, no Democrats have said they will support Kennedy’s nomination, although some have expressed openness to it.
The fate of Kennedy’s nomination remains uncertain, as the Senate has a narrow majority and can afford to lose only three GOP votes. The hearing’s outcome will be closely watched, as Kennedy’s confirmation could have significant implications for the Trump administration’s health and human services policies.