WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, is facing senators on the Finance Committee Wednesday for the first of two confirmation hearings.
During opening comments, Kennedy touted the “Make America Healthy Again” movement and decried the United States’ rising rates of diseases such as obesity, addiction and diabetes.
“Americans’ overall health is in a grievous condition,” Kennedy said.
If confirmed, Kennedy will control a $1.7 trillion agency that oversees food and hospital inspections, hundreds of health clinics, vaccine recommendations and health insurance for roughly half the country.
What are RFK Jr.’s views on vaccines and abortion?
Kennedy, a former 2024 Democratic presidential candidate who dropped out and endorsed Trump, has sparked concerns about his record of spreading misinformation regarding vaccines. He has made claims linking vaccines to autism and previously said on the Lex Fridman podcast that “no vaccine is safe and effective.”
However, more recently, Kennedy has tried to downplay his past remarks and work, asserting he is not anti-vaccine and promising not to “take away” shots if confirmed.
On Wednesday, Kennedy said Fridman interrupted him during his podcast appearance after being questioned about his comments by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore.
“Are you lying to Congress today when you say you’re pro-vaccine or did you lie on all of those podcasts?” Wyden asked Kennedy.
In response, Kennedy said what he meant to say was that “there are no vaccines that are safe and effective for every person.”
“News reports have claimed that I am anti-vaccine or anti-industry — I am neither. I am pro-safety,” Kennedy said at the hearing before being interrupted by a protestor, who was escorted out.
Later, Kennedy said he supports the measles and polio vaccine.
“I will do nothing as HHS secretary that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking any of those vaccines,” Kennedy said.
However, Kennedy made a false statement in front of lawmakers Wednesday that children under six “basically have a zero risk of COVID.”
According to several studies, COVID-19 was a leading cause of death for children 1 to 4. The University of Oxford found it ranked seventh as a cause of death among that age group between 2021 and 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends COVID-19 vaccines for those 6 months and older, and says the inoculation is safe for children.
On Wednesday, Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo. said Kennedy has “peddled in half-truths” and “false statements” and theories creating doubt about “things that we know are safe.”
“He says it with such conviction, you want to believe him,” Bennet said.
Additionally, some Republicans are worried about Kennedy’s past support of abortion rights. Former Vice President Mike Pence has suggested the Senate reject Kennedy based on his position.
Asked by Oklahoma Republican Sen. James Lankford about abortion, Kennedy said he agrees with Trump that “every abortion is a tragedy.”
“I agree with him that the states should control abortion,” Kennedy said. “…I serve at the pleasure of the president, I’m going to implement his policies.”
Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-NH, grilled Kennedy about his previous statements on abortion, asking him when he decided to “sell out” in order to be “given power by Trump?”
Caroline Kennedy slams RFK Jr. as a ‘predator’
Meanwhile, a searing letter to senators from Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, could bring fireworks.
In the letter, Caroline Kennedy, former ambassador to Australia and Japan, called Kennedy a “predator,” urging lawmakers to block his confirmation. She also made claims that he “preys on the desperation of parents of sick children” and highlighted allegations of drug use and animal mutilation, warning he is addicted to power and thus disqualified from leading HHS.
“Unlike Bobby, I try not to speak for my father — but I am certain that he and my uncle Bobby, who gave their lives in public service, and my uncle Teddy, who devoted his Senate career to improving healthcare, would be disgusted,” Caroline Kennedy wrote.
What are RFK Jr.’s chances of getting confirmed?
Kennedy’s confirmation remains uncertain, with some Republicans on both committees still not committing to a vote. He has received some support among Democrats for his stances on food regulations and removing dyes and additives.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., a physician and chair of the Senate Health Committee, has voiced concerns about Kennedy’s past vaccine comments. He’s said he’s spoken with Kennedy but remains undecided.
Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., who will participate in Wednesday’s hearing, has raised concerns over Kennedy’s abortion views.
Other senators, including Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., have shown a willingness to support him.
“We don’t agree on everything, but what we both agree is that America has some health problems, and we believe that the key to fixing that is nutrition, as well as decreasing their chronic exposure to toxins. So, I look forward to working with him,” Marshall said.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., a polio survivor who has emphasized the importance of the vaccine, could be another key figure to watch.
Wednesday’s confirmation hearing began at 10 a.m. ET. Kennedy’s second hearing is set for Thursday before the Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
