Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), faced intense questioning at a Senate confirmation hearing. Democratic senators accused him of spreading vaccine misinformation and promoting conspiracy theories, while Kennedy defended his stance, stating he supports vaccines and his children are vaccinated.
The nominee, an environmental lawyer with a controversial history on vaccines, emphasized his commitment to addressing rising chronic diseases. If confirmed, he would oversee over $3 trillion in healthcare spending, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, past remarks questioning vaccine safety and claims about COVID-19 and Lyme disease being bioweapons fueled concerns.
Democratic Senator Ron Wyden criticized Kennedy for embracing “conspiracy theories and quacks,” while Senator Michael Bennet accused him of misleading rhetoric. Meanwhile, Republican senators largely supported him, appreciating his focus on tackling obesity and diabetes. Senator Ron Johnson urged bipartisan cooperation on healthcare reforms.
The Senate Finance Committee will decide whether to advance Kennedy’s nomination, with a vote hinging on his responses to submitted questions. Analysts estimate a 50/50 chance of his confirmation, with vaccine stocks like Moderna and Novavax seeing sharp declines following the hearing.
Kennedy’s involvement with the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense, which sold merchandise with slogans like “No Vax, No Problem,” also drew criticism. He distanced himself, stating he resigned as chairman. Additionally, Caroline Kennedy publicly opposed her cousin’s nomination, calling his views dangerous.
Protesters interrupted the hearing, reflecting the nominee’s divisive reputation. While some Republicans raised concerns over Kennedy’s stance on abortion and pharmaceuticals, the GOP-controlled Senate has yet to reject a Trump nominee. If confirmed, Kennedy will shape U.S. health policy, influencing vaccine regulation and chronic disease management.