The nomination of US President Donald Trump’s beleaguered health secretary pick, vaccine conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has taken a significant step forward as senators voted in favor of advancing his confirmation to the Senate floor.
Mr. Kennedy’s future on the Senate Finance Committee relied heavily on Bill Cassidy, a physician with a history of public disagreements with the former Democrat regarding unfounded claims linking vaccines to autism, especially given the Republicans’ narrow one-seat majority.
However, Mr. Cassidy expressed his support for Mr. Kennedy after the 71-year-old environmental lawyer received a strong endorsement from Mr. Trump, who had previously labeled him “one of the most Liberal Lunatics ever to run for office” just nine months prior.
“Twenty years ago, autism in children was 1 in 10,000. NOW IT’S 1 in 34. WOW! Something’s really wrong. We need BOBBY!!!” Mr. Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform ahead of the vote.
Bill Cassidy (L) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (R)
Mr. Kennedy’s controversies are numerous, but the primary concerns for conservatives include his previous support for abortion, his track record as an environmental lawyer challenging large corporations, and his 2023 presidential candidacy as a Democrat.
In addition to vaccine-related issues, Democrats highlight sexual misconduct allegations, Mr. Kennedy’s claim that Covid-19 was engineered to spare Jews, his association of school shootings with antidepressant use, and alleged mistreatment of animal remains.
The New York Post, a publication known for its Trump-friendly stance, published a harsh editorial asserting that Mr. Kennedy’s background was too “wacky” to entrust him with overseeing American health.
Gabbard’s confirmation advances closer
Elizabeth Warren, the vice chair of the Senate Democrats, described Mr. Kennedy as an “anti-science conspiracy peddler who is willing to gamble with American lives,” urging fellow senators to dismiss his nomination.
Although the Senate can confirm nominees without committee backing—as seen during Trump’s previous administration with Mick Mulvaney—Republican Majority Leader John Thune has expressed skepticism about the likelihood of this occurring.
Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination as director of national intelligence, one of President Donald Trump’s most controversial picks, also progressed when a Senate committee endorsed her nomination amidst concerns regarding her lack of experience and remarks perceived as sympathetic to US adversaries.
Senator Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, informed reporters that the panel had voted to favorably report Ms. Gabbard’s nomination to the full Senate.
Ms. Gabbard has faced accusations of being a conspiracy theorist and holds a lengthy history of publicly opposing US national security policies, often aligning with adversarial views.
Tulsi Gabbard
The potential success for both Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Gabbard—two of the most inexperienced nominees in modern history—would further illustrate Mr. Trump’s significant influence over his party, particularly in light of the recent contentious confirmation of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Yesterday, the Senate confirmed Chris Wright, the CEO of fracking company Liberty Energy, to lead the Energy Department, receiving support from seven Democratic senators.
Former US Congressman Doug Collins of Georgia is set to be confirmed as secretary of veterans affairs today.
Pam Bondi, who is taking over for the disgraced nominee Matt Gaetz, is anticipated to be confirmed as attorney general by early tomorrow morning at the latest.
