RFK Jr faces tough questions in confirmation hearing for health secretary role

Kennedy reassured lawmakers, stating he would not advocate for widespread bans on food, vaccines, or the abortion pill

Listen to article

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated to be the next head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), faced a contentious confirmation hearing on Wednesday, where he struggled to answer questions regarding the future of Medicaid and Medicare, vital government health programs used by millions of Americans.

During the hearing, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician and key vote for Kennedy’s confirmation, pressed the nominee on how he plans to reform Medicaid, a multi-billion-dollar program that covers healthcare for approximately 80 million people, including low-income, elderly, and disabled Americans. Kennedy, who is vying for the leadership of the $1.7 trillion HHS department, was unable to provide clear proposals for Medicaid reform, stating, “I don’t have a broad proposal for dismantling the program.” He also inaccurately claimed that Medicaid is fully funded by the federal government, failing to mention that both state and federal taxpayers contribute to the program.

Kennedy's responses were further scrutinised when he made incorrect statements about Medicare, asserting that most Americans have purchased a Medicare Advantage plan, though only about 10% of Americans actually have such plans. These missteps were compounded by Kennedy’s repeated suggestions that he would push for privatization of Medicaid and Medicare, arguing that Americans prefer private insurance over government-run programs.

The hearing also delved into Kennedy’s controversial stance on vaccines. While Kennedy denied being anti-vaccine, stating that vaccines play a critical role in healthcare, he acknowledged having “asked uncomfortable questions” about vaccination. This sparked tension with Democrats, especially Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon, who cited Kennedy’s past statements claiming there is “no safe” vaccine and challenged his contradictory statements on the matter. Despite decades of scientific consensus and research proving the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, Kennedy has long questioned their safety and called for further studies on childhood vaccinations, a position that has raised concerns among public health experts.

Kennedy also attempted to reassure lawmakers on other issues, including agriculture and the abortion pill, insisting he would not advocate for widespread bans on food or vaccines. "I don’t want to take food away from anybody,” he said, adding that if people enjoyed items like cheeseburgers and diet sodas, they should be able to access them.

Kennedy, who hails from the prominent political family of his father, the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, and his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, first ran for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination before switching to an independent bid. He eventually dropped out of the race to endorse Republican President Donald Trump, with a promise to serve in a health policy role if Trump wins a second term. Trump, who nominated Kennedy in November, has praised his potential to address the nation’s chronic disease epidemic and promote health reform, though Kennedy’s anti-vaccine views have raised alarms among many in the public health community.

The confirmation hearing has highlighted deep divisions over Kennedy’s controversial positions, setting the stage for further scrutiny in the Senate.