WASHINGTON – Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the well-known advocate against vaccinations from a prominent political lineage, made his presence felt on Capitol Hill late Monday as he presented himself to senators in a new role as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for the Health and Human Services Department.
This introductory meeting served as an initial glimpse into Kennedy’s perspectives, which include endorsements of raw milk, opposition to fluoride, skepticism about Ozempic, and aversion to many processed foods. His wide-ranging opinions have stirred concerns within the scientific community as he approaches confirmation by the Senate, where responses have varied from support and curiosity to skepticism and flat-out rejection.
Kennedy’s first engagement was strategically targeted at Republican senators who are aligned with Trump, marking the beginning of a prolonged, thorough vetting process. Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma mentioned that Kennedy expressed his full support for polio vaccinations during their discussion, but he noted that the dialogue also touched on other childhood vaccines. Mullin remains optimistic about Kennedy’s confirmation.
“The more you converse with him, the more he articulates his views, the more you tend to support him,” Mullin remarked.
At 70 years old, Kennedy, popularly referred to as RFK Jr., finds himself in a unique position, having transitioned from a Democratic presidential candidate to leading the U.S.’s largest public health agency, which operates with a significant $1.7 trillion budget and oversees vital public services.
The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) plays a crucial role in Americans’ lives by regulating food safety, managing pharmaceuticals, and facilitating disease research. It also administers health insurance programs that cover nearly half of the nation’s population, including Medicare for the elderly and assistance for the poor and disabled.
Richard Besser, who serves as the CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and has been the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, criticized Kennedy’s nomination, labeling him as “a truly dangerous” choice. Besser articulated his stance in an op-ed, describing Kennedy as a potential Cabinet member whose policies could immensely harm the public.
Before Kennedy’s appearance, he received counsel from former Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, a survivor of polio, who advised him to avoid any affiliations that might jeopardize his confirmation due to his views on vaccines. “Anyone seeking Senate approval for an upcoming Administration should steer clear of even the appearance of association with such efforts,” McConnell advised recently.
During a separate press conference on Monday, Trump called himself a “big believer” in the effectiveness of polio vaccines and attempted to alleviate concerns surrounding Kennedy’s nomination, stating that Kennedy will likely prove to be “much less radical” than anticipated.
Incoming GOP leader Senator John Thune of South Dakota indicated that Kennedy would need to clarify his positions on vaccinations and other critical issues, recognizing the importance of these discussions. “He’ll have to address that; we’ll find out,” Thune noted.
Notably, hardline Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, who lacks voting power in the confirmation process, has been a vocal supporter of Kennedy and his stance on vaccination.
On Capitol Hill, Republican senators expressed their desire to understand more about Kennedy’s viewpoints. Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina said he remained open-minded, but added that radical views against vaccines could pose significant challenges.
Kennedy’s nomination represents a pivotal moment in the country’s evolving political landscape as Trump gathers a broader coalition of former Democratic voters. While some elements of Kennedy’s perspectives gather support, others face opposition from across the political spectrum.
Particularly, Kennedy’s proposals for enhancing food quality by eliminating additives resonate with certain Democrats, yet his critiques of major agricultural interests raise alarms among those in the farming sector. Senator Chuck Grassley, representing Iowa—America’s leading pig producer—expressed his interest in Kennedy’s comments about farming practices.
In addition, other Trump appointees are expected to appear before the Senate this week. These include Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary, Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence, and Kash Patel for the FBI director role. Each nominee faces scrutiny from wary senators.
With Republicans poised to take control of the Senate at the start of the new year, Trump’s nominees have a viable path to confirmation. However, the slim 53-47 majority means that losing even a few Republican votes could complicate matters amid anticipated Democratic opposition.
