Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's pick to lead the top U.S. health agency, came under attack at a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday (January 29) over his views on vaccines, abortion, and potential conflicts of interest.
The Republican-controlled Senate has not rejected any of Trump's nominees so far. His controversial defense secretary pick, Pete Hegseth, squeaked by in a 51-50 vote after Vice President JD Vance was needed to break a tie on Friday (January 24), despite concerns that the nominee was not qualified for the position, and allegations of sexual assault and alcohol abuse.
Kennedy's nomination puts Republican lawmakers' loyalty to the test, as the former Democrat holds a range of unorthodox positions that could alienate both conservatives and liberals.
The environmental lawyer is seen as a controversial pick on both sides of the aisle chiefly for having spread misinformation around the safety of vaccines in the past.
In written testimony to the Finance Committee, Kennedy said he is not anti-vaccine or anti-industry and that he believes "vaccines have a critical role in healthcare." He noted that his own children had been vaccinated, according to the document seen by Reuters, but helped found the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense.
Kennedy says he wants to work to end chronic disease, break any ties between employees at the U.S. drugs regulator and industry, and advise U.S. water systems to remove fluoride.
He has decried the U.S. food industry for adding ingredients he says have made Americans less healthy.
Kennedy needs the support of at least 50 senators, which would allow Vance to cast another tie-breaking vote and confirm his nomination if needed.
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