RFK Jr.'s Reckoning: The Fight for HHS

What Happened?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces a challenging path in his quest to become the next Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary under incoming President-elect Donald Trump.

The projected HHS Secretary has a history of controversial remarks and activism against vaccines, which he has claimed are linked to autism in children, subsequently drawing bipartisan criticism.

Now, Kennedy faces the uphill task of securing Senate confirmation, which would require support from moderate Republican senators while fending off fierce opposition from Democrats.

Kennedy's nomination has sparked debates on Capitol Hill, although many Republicans have remained quiet about their stance, which has left the outcome uncertain. However, Democratic senators have not hesitated to voice their concerns.

Why it Matters

Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, a vocal critic of Kennedy, has used social media to highlight the dangers he believes Kennedy poses as a potential HHS secretary.

'We don’t have to treat conspiracy theorists like RFK Jr. with kid gloves. It’s simple. He’s spent his career fighting school vaccine programs. If they atrophy, kids will get killed,' Murphy tweeted. He added, 'Even if RFK Jr. doesn’t legally weaken school vaccine requirements (and he might!), his elevation to HHS Secretary will amplify his conspiracy views. When vaccine rates drop because of RFK Jr.’s conspiracy spreading — kids get killed.'

Murphy further pointed to a 2018 measles outbreak in Samoa as an example of Kennedy’s influence. Kennedy, who had traveled to Samoa to support local efforts undermining confidence in childhood vaccines, has been accused of contributing to the sharp decline in measles vaccinations.

A year later, Samoa experienced a devastating outbreak, with 83 deaths and 1,800 hospitalizations, mostly involving young children. Murphy’s condemnation was scathing: 'In 2018 RFK Jr. traveled all the way to Samoa to help local efforts to undermine confidence in children’s vaccines. It worked. Measles vaccinations plummeted, and a year later, 83 were dead and 1,800 were hospitalized. Mostly little kids.'

Kennedy has vehemently denied responsibility for the Samoa outbreak, stating, 'I had nothing to do with people not vaccinating in Samoa. I never told anybody not to vaccinate. I didn’t, you know, go there for any reason to do with that.' Despite his denial, the incident has become a focal point for his critics.

As Kennedy works to gain Republican support, some Democrats do appear open to hearing him out. A report in The Hill has suggested that sources close to Senators Bernie Sanders and John Fetterman believe the two might consider giving Kennedy a hearing.

Sanders, who has long been known for his criticism of the U.S. food industry, shares Kennedy’s concerns about the health impacts of ultra-processed foods.

This issue has found bipartisan traction, with Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician, expressing partial agreement with Kennedy. 'Food safety — I think ultra-processed food is a problem.' Cassidy told Fox News, confirming plans to meet with Kennedy.

How it Affects You

While Kennedy's opposition to vaccines has made him a polarizing figure, his views on the food industry in America have resonated with lawmakers across the aisle.

However, whether or not this overlap in priorities will be enough to secure his confirmation remains uncertain.

As most Republicans continue to stay silent and Democrats remain divided, Kennedy’s fate will likely hinge on his ability to convince moderates that he can effectively lead the HHS without letting his controversial views overshadow his duties.