US President Donald Trump’s nominee for health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr., faced significant scrutiny during a Senate confirmation hearing, with Democratic lawmakers accusing him of concealing his anti-vaccine stance and endorsing conspiracy theories to deter the use of life-saving medications.
Mr. Kennedy attempted to defend his record before the finance committee, assuring that he was not opposed to vaccines and stating his commitment to addressing the rapidly rising rates of chronic illnesses while adhering to Mr. Trump’s directives on abortion.
“I believe that vaccines are essential to healthcare. All of my children are vaccinated,” remarked Mr. Kennedy, who was accompanied at the hearing by his wife, Cheryl Hines, and some of their children.
“We bear the highest chronic disease burden of any nation worldwide … This is an existential threat.”
The environmental attorney is regarded as a contentious pick by both Republicans and Democrats, primarily due to his history of casting doubt on vaccine safety and effectiveness.
As they questioned him, Democratic senators referenced past comments made by Mr. Kennedy over the years, including his assertion that no vaccine is safe or effective.
They cited other unsubstantiated statements, such as claims that Covid-19 was engineered to target Caucasians and Black individuals, and that it was “highly likely” Lyme disease was a military biological weapon.
“The evidence indicates that Mr. Kennedy has embraced conspiracy theories, quacks, and charlatans, particularly regarding vaccine safety and effectiveness,” stated Democratic Senator Ron Wyden in his opening remarks.
“He has dedicated his life to instilling doubt and discouraging parents from immunizing their children with life-saving vaccines.”
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Democratic Senator Michael Bennet characterized Mr. Kennedy as someone who speaks with conviction but has a track record filled with half-truths and inaccuracies.
“It matters not what you say here,” Mr. Bennet commented. “It does not reflect your true beliefs.”
Most of the nearly twelve Republican senators who questioned Mr. Kennedy seemed to support his nomination, with some expressing appreciation for his objectives of combating diseases like obesity and diabetes.
“Can’t we unite as a nation and tackle this?” posed Republican Senator Ron Johnson.
The finance committee members are set to vote on whether to forward Mr. Trump’s nominee to the full Senate for confirmation.
Mr. Kennedy is also scheduled to appear before a Senate panel overseeing health matters tomorrow.
To date, the Republican-dominated Senate has not rejected any of the president’s nominees.
Pete Hegseth, another controversial nominee for Secretary of Defense, garnered support by a narrow vote of 51 to 50 after Vice President JD Vance was called in to break a tie on Friday, despite skepticism regarding the nominee’s qualifications and allegations of sexual misconduct and substance abuse.
Speaking to the media outside the Senate hearing, Republican Senator Thom Tillis remarked that he thought Mr. Kennedy was performing a “great job” and predicted he would likely pass the finance committee’s assessment.
Mr. Tillis was one of the officials targeted by opposition groups urging a vote against the candidate.
During the hearing, protesters interrupted on two occasions, with one yelling, “He lies,” before being escorted out.
Some supporters of Mr. Kennedy donned “Make America Healthy Again” hats.
Mr. Kennedy has criticized the US food industry for including ingredients he claims contribute to declining health among Americans.
During the hearing, he advocated for reduced availability of processed foods in school lunches and for purchases made using food stamps.
Both of these initiatives fall under the purview of the Department of Agriculture rather than the Department of Health and Human Services.
Some of the Republican senators posed pointed queries, including Senator Chuck Grassley from Iowa, who advised Mr. Kennedy to leave agricultural matters to the agriculture department.
He appeared uncertain when addressing questions related to Medicare and Medicaid, which represent a significant portion of the US health budget.
In response to Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, Mr. Kennedy admitted that he did not have a reform proposal for the Medicaid program.
Senator Bernie Sanders interrogated him about his connection with the Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine organization he founded.
Mr. Sanders highlighted “onesie” apparel for infants sold by the group, featuring slogans like “No Vax, No Problem.”
“I have no influence over that organization,” Mr. Kennedy replied. He stepped down as chairman in December, noting at that time that “it has been one of my greatest privileges and honors to lead this group throughout the years.”
The healthcare advocacy group Protect Our Care orchestrated a rally opposing Mr. Kennedy ahead of the hearing, showcasing mock headstones to symbolize fatalities following a 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa.
The organization claimed he had visited the region during that period and spread misinformation about vaccines, a claim Mr. Kennedy denies.
Caroline Kennedy, another member of the prominent American political family, urged senators yesterday to oppose her cousin’s nomination, labeling him a “predator” with “dangerous” healthcare views.
Some Republicans also voiced concerns over Mr. Kennedy’s prior statements supporting abortion rights, as well as his perceived opposition to the pharmaceutical industry.
During the hearing, he aligned with President Trump, asserting that states should determine access to abortion.
