Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Nears Confirmation as Health Secretary Amid Controversy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is poised to become the next Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, following a narrow Senate Finance committee vote of 14-13 along party lines. The full Senate is expected to vote on his confirmation in the coming days, marking another potential victory for President Trump’s cabinet selections, despite his divisive choice in Kennedy.
As a member of the Kennedy family, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a storied background, having transitioned from an environmental advocate to a prominent figure in the anti-vaccine movement. His nomination has sparked considerable debate due to his past activities, which have helped him build a significant reputation and financial success.
Senator Bill Cassidy, R.-La., a physician, played a crucial role in Kennedy’s nomination process. Despite his personal experiences with unvaccinated patients suffering lifelong health consequences, Cassidy chose to support Kennedy. He admitted to “struggling” with the decision but ultimately backed Kennedy, expressing gratitude to Vice President JD Vance for his guidance.
On social media, Cassidy shared, “I’ve had very intense conversations with Bobby and the White House over the weekend and even this morning. I want to thank VP JD [Vance] specifically for his honest counsel,” expressing his decision to support Kennedy after receiving commitments from the Trump administration on shared goals like healthy foods and a pro-American agenda.
Overcoming Opposition from Many Sides
Despite strong opposition from Democratic Senators, including Kennedy’s former law school classmate Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Sen. Bernie Sanders, Kennedy’s nomination is moving forward. He has faced substantial criticism from both sides of the political spectrum, with campaigns and advertisements targeting him for his anti-vaccine stance and past abortion rights support.
Among those opposing him were thousands of physicians and scientists who penned letters against his nomination. His own cousin, Caroline Kennedy, sent a critical letter to senators, further complicating his path to confirmation.
A Sudden Alliance with Trump
Kennedy’s journey to this nomination included ending his Independent presidential bid in August and throwing his support behind Trump. This alliance allowed Kennedy the freedom to pursue his health agenda. Throughout the hearings, Kennedy emphasized his belief that Americans were healthier in the past and blamed current health policies for the nation’s decline.
During hearings, Kennedy frequently cited data to back his claims but admitted unfamiliarity with evidence supporting vaccines’ safety and efficacy. He maintained that he was “pro-safety” and open to changing his views if presented with convincing data, although skepticism remains about his willingness to change.
Kennedy has been labeled a conspiracy theorist, a claim he contested during the hearings. Despite this, he reiterated controversial claims, such as Wi-Fi causing cancer and differing AIDS presentations in Africa and the West. Tension arose when he proposed a different vaccine schedule for Black Americans, which Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., criticized as “dangerous.”
Concerns over financial conflicts of interest also surfaced, given Kennedy’s history of litigation against vaccine manufacturers. He assured lawmakers that he would transfer any interests to his son and highlighted his understanding of health agencies from his legal battles.
