Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Faces Crucial Senate Hearing for Health Secretary Position: What to Expect

WASHINGTON — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., chosen by President Donald Trump for health secretary, is set to appear before the Senate Finance Committee for his first confirmation hearing on Wednesday.

If confirmed, Kennedy will lead a major agency with a budget of $1.7 trillion. This agency plays a critical role in overseeing food safety, hospital inspections, and health clinics, as well as making vaccine recommendations for millions of Americans.

During the hearing, Kennedy is likely to face tough questions about his past controversial views on vaccines and abortion. To secure the position, he will need the support of nearly all Senate Republicans.

The following day, he will speak to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee.

Kennedy has long been vocal about his stance on vaccines, expressing skepticism in various interviews and social media posts. He leads a nonprofit that has challenged government vaccine approvals and has stated that he believes no vaccine is entirely safe. Despite the overwhelming evidence supporting vaccine safety and effectiveness, he is calling for more studies on childhood vaccinations.

Recently, he seems to have softened his approach, suggesting he’s not anti-vaccine and indicating that he won’t aim to eliminate vaccines.

Concerns also linger about how he might influence abortion policies as health secretary. The Health and Human Services (HHS) department plays a significant role in reproductive health, overseeing grants to organizations like Planned Parenthood and regulating abortion medications.

Kennedy’s cousin, Caroline Kennedy, has publicly criticized him, stating in a letter to senators that he is unfit for the role. She described a troubling childhood environment filled with drug use and disturbing behavior, portraying a view of him that raises serious questions about his qualifications.

A notable figure in environmental law, Kennedy briefly ran for president in 2024 before suspending his campaign and endorsing Trump in August. He is known as the son of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy.