Robert F. Kennedy Jr., United States President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, faced questions about his anti-vaccine advocacy at a Senate confirmation hearing today.
Kennedy is the founder of the anti-vaccine activist group Children’s Health Defense, and has claimed that “there’s no vaccine that is safe and effective”. The Health and Human Services Department oversees the U.S.’ vaccine supply.
“The receipts show that Mr. Kennedy has embraced conspiracy theories, quacks, [and] charlatans, especially when it comes to the safety and efficacy of vaccines,” said Democratic Senator Ron Wyden at the Senate Finance Committee’s preliminary nomination hearing. “He has made it his life work to sow doubt and discourage parents from getting their kids lifesaving vaccines.”
“I believe that vaccines play a critical role in healthcare. All of my kids are vaccinated,” said Kennedy.
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren also questioned Kennedy on his role in Samoa’s 2019 measles outbreak. Kennedy repeatedly spoke to the Samoan Prime Minister that year to cast doubt on the efficacy of measles vaccines, and promoted anti-vaccine figures in the country. In total, 83 people died from the outbreak.
Wyden said that he did not anticipate any Democrats voting for Kennedy to advance to the next round of hearings.
Many Republicans, however, voiced support for Kennedy. “I think that you are the person to lead [Health and Human Services] to make America healthy again, that God has a divine purpose for you,” said Republican Senator Roger Marshall.
Kennedy struggled to answer questions on government healthcare program Medicaid, which Republicans have said they may cut funding to. Kennedy told Republicans: “I don’t have a broad proposal for dismantling the program.”
Republicans also questioned Kennedy on his stance on abortion. While Kennedy said he was pro-choice during his independent 2024 presidential campaign, he said at the hearing: “I agree with [Trump] that the states should control abortion.”
Caroline Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s cousin and a former U.S. ambassador to Australia, urged the Senate not to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ahead of the hearing. He “preys on the desperation of parents of sick children — vaccinating his own kids while building a following by hypocritically discouraging other parents from vaccinating theirs,” she said.
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