Senate Grills RFK Jr. on Controversial Health Stances in Contentious HHS Secretary Confirmation Hearings

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent antivaccine activist, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)1.

Kennedy faced intense scrutiny from both the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee in confirmation hearings23.

Senators challenged Kennedy on his long history of vaccine skepticism and controversial health policy views28.

Kennedy claimed he is not anti-vaccine but "pro-safety," stating all his children are vaccinated2.

He emphasized a focus on chronic disease, food quality, and removing conflicts of interest in health agencies if confirmed as HHS Secretary2.

Democratic senators expressed concerns about Kennedy's potential influence on vaccine policy, infectious disease research, and public health initiatives2.

Kennedy promised "radical transparency" to rebuild trust in U.S. health agencies2.

The nomination has drawn criticism from scientists and lawmakers, setting the stage for a contentious confirmation process1.

If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee significant aspects of the nation's public health policy, including the FDA and CDC12.

Sources:

1. https://www.ajmc.com/view/5-health-policy-stances-of-robert-f-kennedy-jr

2. https://www.idsociety.org/news--publications-new/articles/2025/robert-f.-kennedy-jr.-senate-finance-committee-nomination-hearing

3. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/senate-finance-committee-presses-hhs-appointee-rfk-jr-vaccine-abortion-stance-confirmation

8. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/rfk-kennedy-senate-hearing-vaccine-views-hhs/738618/