Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is about Wednesday and Thursday to face a grilling from skeptical senators at affirmation hearings to turn out to be Secretary of Well being and Human Providers amid cussed questions over his controversial stances on vaccines, meals security and abortion rights.
The Trump nominee is certain to be hammered over his skepticism about vaccines, together with the life-saving COVID jabs and routine photographs that had all however eradicated once-killer illnesses like measles and polio.
He can also face opposition from pro-life Trump loyalists who would ordinarily be strongly against any nominee like Kennedy who helps a girl’s proper to abortion care.
RFK Jr. will face questioning by the finance committee Wednesday, which is predicted to concentrate on his potential stewardship of the Medicare and Medicaid packages that serve tens of hundreds of thousands of aged, disabled and poor People.
Lawmakers will possible ask in regards to the Trump administration freeze on some federal funds that Tuesday apparently prevented Medicaid suppliers and state officers from having access to an online portal used to entry federal funds.
Issues might get even more durable for the scion of famed Democratic political royalty on Thursday when the well being committee will get its shot.
President Donald Trump with Robert F. Kennedy. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Photos)
Kennedy has repeatedly questioned the efficacy and even security of vaccines touted by most medical doctors as medical miracles accountable for saving tens of million lives globally. He has additionally backed debunked claims of a hyperlink between vaccines and autism.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, the previous GOP Senate chief, survived polio as a toddler and is a fervent proponent of vaccines, making him a possible no vote. Sen. Cassidy (R-Louisiana) has additionally expressed grave reservations about Kennedy.
The Make America Wholesome Once more chief might additionally might face questions on his harsh criticism of Massive Pharma and big American meals processing corporations, each of which he has accused of poisoning American customers.
These views might win sympathy from progressive Democrats however the highly effective company pursuits can usually depend on robust assist from Republican lawmakers.
If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee companies that influence the lives of most People together with the Nationwide Institutes of Well being, Facilities for Illness Management and Meals and Drug Administration.
As soon as thought-about a gadfly environmental activist, Kennedy mulled a longshot problem to former President Biden, however switched to an impartial White Home bid in 2023. He dropped out of the marketing campaign and endorsed Trump in August.
Two extra of Trump’s different controversial cupboard nominees are teed up for their very own affirmation hearings on Thursday.
Tulsi Gabbard, who’s in line to be Director of Nationwide Intelligence, will face questions from Democrats and Republicans alike over her mercurial international coverage stances through the years, together with cozy ties to Russia and ousted Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.
Then-nominee Donald Trump welcomes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the stage at a Turning Level Motion marketing campaign rally on the Gasoline South Enviornment on October 23, 2024 in Duluth, Georgia. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Photos)
FBI Director-nominee Kash Patel, in the meantime, might run into issues over his assist for utilizing legislation enforcement to retaliate towards Trump’s political enemies.
Trump has principally succeeded in pushing via his cupboard nominees, regardless of widespread institution concern over their lack of conventional {qualifications}.
Ex-Rep. Matt Gaetz pulled the plug on his lawyer common nomination after a congressional ethics report accused him of sleeping with an underage woman at drug-fueled events.
However Secretary of Protection Pete Hegseth eked out a win regardless of questions on extreme consuming and a monetary settlement to resolve a sexual assault declare. Vice President JD Vance broke a 50-50 senate tie on his nomination.
The three GOP no votes on Hegseth could possibly be an indication that others might battle to get wanted assist, particularly since McConnell joined average Sen. Susan Collins and Sen. Lisa Murkowski in breaking ranks.
Initially Revealed: January 28, 2025 at 11:40 AM EST
