RFK Jr. and Democrats Clash Over Vaccine Stance During Health Secretary Confirmation Hearing

RFK Jr. and Democrats Clash Over Vaccine Stance During Health Secretary Confirmation Hearing

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearing for health secretary took a contentious turn on Wednesday morning, as Democrats clashed with the prominent vaccine skeptic, who could soon be in charge of the U.S. public health system. The heated exchanges centered around his seemingly conflicting views on vaccines.

Senator Ron Wyden, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, pressed the 71-year-old Kennedy on past statements, reading quotes from podcasts where Kennedy asserted that “no vaccine is safe and effective,” while testifying under oath that he supports vaccines. Wyden also pointed out a 2020 comment where Kennedy expressed regret for vaccinating his children.

“These things can’t both be true,” Wyden said. “So, are you lying to Congress today when you say you are pro-vaccine, or did you lie on those podcasts?”

Kennedy defended himself, claiming his podcast comments were taken out of context. “The host asked me, ‘Are there vaccines that are safe and effective?’ And I said, ‘There are no vaccines that are safe and effective for every person,’” Kennedy explained. He emphasized his support for vaccines like the ones for measles and polio, stating that as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, he would not make it harder for people to get vaccinated.

Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado accused Kennedy of spreading “half-truths” throughout his career, demanding straightforward answers to past controversial statements. When asked if he had called Lyme disease a “highly likely” military bioweapon, Kennedy admitted, “I probably did say that,” though he disputed other claims.

Bennet said, “Out of 330 million Americans, we’re being asked to put someone in this job who has spent 50 years of his life... peddling theories that create doubt about whether things we know are safe are unsafe.”

In a tense moment with Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican and physician, Kennedy seemed to confuse Medicare and Medicaid, two key government health programs. Kennedy mistakenly referred to Medicaid’s high premiums and deductibles, despite the fact that most Medicaid plans do not have these costs. He later suggested that Medicaid could be reformed with pilot programs, telemedicine, and direct primary care.

Kennedy also argued that Americans overwhelmingly prefer private insurance and would choose it if they could afford it.

As HHS Secretary, Kennedy would have significant influence over vaccine policy, food safety, and other public health issues that affect millions of Americans. His controversial views on vaccines, autism, fluoride safety, and raw milk have sparked clashes with the medical establishment.

Kennedy stated in December that while he would not seek to remove vaccines from the public, he wanted people to make “informed choices.” His cousin, Caroline, who is a former U.S. ambassador, recently accused him of being a “predator” for privately vaccinating his own children while publicly fueling vaccine hesitancy.

Despite the opposition, Kennedy is expected to survive the hearings, with a final vote scheduled for next week. 

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