Kennedy Defends Vaccine Views at Senate Health Secretary Confirmation Hearing

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, faced intense scrutiny during a Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing on January 29, 2025. Democratic lawmakers sharply criticized Kennedy for his past comments questioning vaccine safety and promoting conspiracy theories, with some accusing him of undermining public health efforts. Despite the backlash, Kennedy defended his stance, stating that he supports vaccines and has vaccinated his children, while emphasizing the growing crisis of chronic diseases in America.

The hearing saw a divided response. Most Republican senators expressed support for Kennedy, particularly his focus on addressing obesity, diabetes, and other health issues. However, Democratic Senators raised concerns over his past statements about vaccines and his involvement with the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense, which he recently resigned from. Kennedy denied responsibility for the group’s controversial campaigns, including those promoting anti-vaccine merchandise.

Protests disrupted the session, with some demonstrators accusing Kennedy of spreading misinformation. The Finance Committee will now decide whether to send Kennedy’s nomination to the full Senate for confirmation. Despite the opposition, Kennedy’s potential confirmation remains uncertain, with analysts predicting a “50/50” chance of approval.

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