ROBERT F. KENNEDY JR.’S CONFIRMATION HEARING ERUPTS AS DEMOCRATS GRILL TRUMP’S VACCINE SKEPTIC NOMINEE
The confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, turned contentious on Wednesday as Senate Democrats grilled the vaccine skeptic. Kennedy repeatedly insisted that he is not “anti-vaccine” and slammed Democrats for pushing a “dishonest” narrative against him.
Democrat Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon accused Kennedy of embracing conspiracy theories and discouraging parents from getting their kids life-saving vaccines. Wyden pointed to Kennedy’s past comments questioning the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Kennedy responded that he is “pro-safety” and denied being anti-vaccine.
Throughout the hearing, Kennedy faced pushback from Democratic senators, including Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, who accused him of “peddling half-truths” and “false statements.” Bennet highlighted Kennedy’s past comments, including his suggestion that Lyme disease is a militarily engineered bioweapon.
Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines and immunizations have drawn criticism from experts and lawmakers. If confirmed, he would have control over 18 powerful federal agencies overseeing the nation’s food and health, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Despite the scrutiny, Kennedy appears likely to be confirmed as HHS Secretary. Republicans control the Senate by a 53-47 majority, and Kennedy only needs to gain the support of three GOP senators to secure his nomination. Kennedy’s confirmation hearing will continue on Thursday in front of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.