WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, will face senators Wednesday for the first of two confirmation hearings.
The hearing, set to take place before the Senate Finance Committee, is expected to focus on Kennedy’s stances on vaccines and abortion.
If confirmed, Kennedy will control a $1.7 trillion agency that oversees food and hospital inspections, hundreds of health clinics, vaccine recommendations and health insurance for roughly half the country.
Wednesday’s confirmation hearing is set to begin at 10 a.m. ET. Kennedy’s second hearing is set for Thursday before the Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee.
What are RFK Jr.’s views on vaccines and abortion?
Kennedy, a former 2024 Democratic presidential candidate who dropped out and endorsed Trump, has sparked concerns about his record of spreading misinformation regarding vaccines. He has made claims linking vaccines to autism and has said that “no vaccine is safe and effective.”
However, more recently, Kennedy has tried to downplay his past remarks and work, asserting he is not anti-vaccine and promising not to “take away” shots if confirmed.
Additionally, some Republicans are worried about Kennedy’s past support of abortion rights. Former Vice President Mike Pence has suggested the Senate reject Kennedy based on his position.
Caroline Kennedy slams RFK Jr. as a ‘predator’
Meanwhile, a searing letter to senators from Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, could bring fireworks.
In the letter, Caroline Kennedy, former ambassador to Australia and Japan, called Kennedy a “predator,” urging lawmakers to block his confirmation. She also made claims that he “preys on the desperation of parents of sick children” and highlighted allegations of drug use and animal mutilation, warning he is addicted to power and thus disqualified from leading HHS.
“Unlike Bobby, I try not to speak for my father — but I am certain that he and my uncle Bobby, who
gave their lives in public service, and my uncle Teddy, who devoted his Senate career to improving
health care, would be disgusted,” Caroline Kennedy wrote.
What are RJK Jr.’s chances of getting confirmed?
Kennedy’s confirmation remains uncertain, with some Republicans on both committees still not committing to a vote. He has received some support among Democrats for his stances on food regulations and removing dyes and additives.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., a physician and chair of the Senate Health Committee, has voiced concerns about Kennedy’s past vaccine comments. He’s said he’s spoken with Kennedy but remains undecided.
Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., who will participate in Wednesday’s hearing, has raised concerns over Kennedy’s abortion views.
Other senators, including Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., have shown a willingness to support him.
“We don’t agree on everything, but what we both agree is that America has some health problems, and we believe that the key to fixing that is nutrition, as well as decreasing their chronic exposure to toxins. So, I look forward to working with him,” Marshall said.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., a polio survivor who has emphasized the importance of the vaccine, could be another key figure to watch.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
