In Washington, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing significant scrutiny regarding his financial ties to lawsuits related to vaccines, particularly while being considered for the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy, nominated by President Donald Trump, has assured the Senate finance committee that he would forgo any fees from litigation aimed at the manufacturers of the cervical cancer vaccine should he be confirmed for the position.
During the committee’s discussions, Kennedy indicated he would revise his ethics disclosure after senators raised concerns about his financial arrangements with the law firm that represents individuals claiming to have suffered injuries due to vaccines. This includes several prominent senators, like Democrat Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts, along with his cousin, Caroline Kennedy, who both questioned the implications of his financial involvement in these cases.
In a written statement to the committee, Kennedy said, “An amendment to my Ethics Agreement is in process, and it provides that I will divest my interest in this litigation.” Initially, Kennedy had disclosed plans to continue collecting referral fees in lawsuits unrelated to the government, which included a substantial agreement with a law firm pursuing litigation against Merck concerning its Gardasil vaccine. Last year alone, this arrangement reportedly earned him $850,000.
During the proceedings, Senator Warren stressed several potential avenues through which Kennedy could ease the process of suing vaccine manufacturers, expressing concern over the financial repercussions. “Kennedy can kill off access to vaccines and make millions of dollars while he does it,” she stated, underscoring the stakes involved with vaccine availability.
This raised alarm for Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and a physician, who expressed his internal conflict regarding supporting Kennedy’s confirmation due to Kennedy’s controversial stance against vaccines. Cassidy concluded the hearing by highlighting Kennedy’s financial interest in criticizing vaccines, creating an ethical dilemma regarding his nomination.
Furthermore, Kennedy stopped short of making definitive pledges regarding future engagements, particularly in terms of lobbying the Department of Health and Human Services once his potential term has concluded. He has criticized such practices in the past, arguing that the “revolving door” in Washington, where public service positions are used to influence government action for private benefit, has severely hindered the U.S. public health framework. Kennedy has vocalized this sentiment multiple times through his social media accounts.
Previously, Kennedy had entered the presidential race in 2024 against President Joe Biden before aligning with Trump after withdrawing from the Democratic nomination. He subsequently secured a promise for a role in health policy within a potential second Trump administration, but his chance for that position is uncertain due to rising opposition spurred by his anti-vaccine stance.
If the Democrats stand unified against Kennedy, he will need the support of all but three Republicans to proceed with his nomination. A decision from the Senate finance committee regarding whether his nomination will advance to a full Senate vote is anticipated next week.
