'A Bad Day for Big Pharma': Congress reacts to Trump’s nomination of RFK Jr. as Health Secretary

Trump's choice of vaccine skeptic RFK Jr. for Health Secretary sparks mixed reactions from Republicans and Democrats.

President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has ignited a firestorm of debate, drawing both praise and sharp criticism. 

The announcement, made on Wednesday, sets the stage for a contentious Senate confirmation process.  

Republican senators displayed mixed reactions. Senate Republican leader John Thune of South Dakota refrained from taking a stance, stating, "I don’t have any at this point," and emphasized the importance of a "vetting process" before forming judgments. 

Meanwhile, Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana welcomed the pick cautiously, saying, "I look forward to learning more about his other policy positions."  

On social media, GOP figures like Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin hailed Kennedy as a "brilliant, courageous truth-teller," while Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama called him "an absolutely brilliant pick." 

I could not be happier that @realDonaldTrump has selected @RobertKennedyJr to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

He’s a brilliant, courageous truth-teller whose unwavering commitment to transparency will make America a healthier nation.

— Senator Ron Johnson (@SenRonJohnson) November 14, 2024

Missouri’s Sen. Josh Hawley declared it a "bad day for Big Pharma."  

Bad day for Big Pharma! @RobertKennedyJr

— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO) November 14, 2024

Democrats, however, vehemently opposed the selection, citing Kennedy’s history of anti-vaccine rhetoric. Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon labeled Kennedy’s views "disturbing," warning they could jeopardize public safety.

Sen. Patty Murray of Washington went further, tweeting, "This could not be more dangerous," and accusing Kennedy of potentially setting America back on critical public health issues.  

Dangerous. Unqualified. Unserious. https://t.co/jSwKkNrijC

— Ed Markey (@SenMarkey) November 14, 2024

Kennedy’s controversial stance includes debunked claims linking vaccines to autism, a position heavily criticized by public health experts. 

However, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, expressed initial support, stating Kennedy "will help make America healthy again by shaking up HHS and FDA." 

He later clarified, "Science must remain THE cornerstone of our nation’s health policy."  

Kennedy’s confirmation hinges on Senate approval, with Republicans holding a narrow majority. As the debate intensifies, this nomination spotlights divisions over science, health policy, and political ideology in America.