Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of President Trump’s most controversial nominees, faced tough scrutiny Wednesday as he testified before the Senate Finance Committee in his bid to become secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Known for his skepticism toward vaccines and past support for abortion rights, Kennedy encountered bipartisan criticism during a hearing that was as combative as it was revealing.
Here are five key moments from the proceedings:
1. Vaccine Stance Sparks Fierce Debate
As expected, Kennedy’s history of vaccine skepticism took center stage. Democratic senators grilled him on past statements, with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) bluntly stating, “Frankly, you frighten people.” Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) cited a 2020 podcast where Kennedy allegedly claimed, “no vaccine is safe and effective.”
Kennedy pushed back, arguing his comments were taken out of context and that he supports vaccine safety, not outright opposition to vaccines. However, his attempt at clarification was interrupted by a protester accusing him of dishonesty.
2. Abortion Controversy Causes Friction
Though Kennedy’s past support for abortion rights has raised eyebrows among conservatives, it was Democrats who seized on the issue to question his consistency. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) pointed to a 2023 statement where Kennedy described himself as “pro-choice,” sarcastically noting Republicans’ willingness to confirm a nominee with such a stance.
Kennedy sought to reassure conservatives, stating, “I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy,” but his shifting positions left many senators skeptical.
3. Bernie Sanders and the Baby Onesies Moment
One of the most unexpected exchanges came from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who displayed images of baby onesies sold by Children’s Health Defense, an organization Kennedy founded. The onesies featured slogans such as “Unvaxed, Unafraid” and “No Vax, No Problem.”
Sanders challenged Kennedy’s claim of supporting vaccines while his former organization profited from anti-vaccine messaging. Kennedy distanced himself, saying he had resigned from the board and had no control over merchandise. But Sanders was unsatisfied, pressing, “Are you supportive of these onesies?” The viral moment added fuel to the already heated debate.
4. Missteps on Medicare and Medicaid
Kennedy’s unfamiliarity with key healthcare programs proved to be a weak spot. He incorrectly stated that Medicaid is entirely federally funded—it is not, as states also contribute. Additionally, he suggested Medicaid premiums were too high, even though most recipients do not pay premiums at all.
His lack of detailed responses on Medicaid reform drew concern, particularly from Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a Republican physician, who pressed Kennedy for specifics. Kennedy’s vague answer did little to reassure skeptics on either side of the aisle.
5. Will This Sink His Nomination?
While the hearing exposed Kennedy’s vulnerabilities, there was no clear knockout blow that would automatically doom his confirmation. His past struggles with heroin addiction—something he has spoken about publicly—were largely left untouched.
Kennedy is set to testify again Thursday before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, chaired by Sen. Cassidy. With some Republicans, including Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.), signaling skepticism over Kennedy’s nomination, Cassidy’s stance could prove decisive.
Trump’s nominees cannot afford more than three Republican defections if all Democrats vote against confirmation. If key moderates like Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) join McConnell in opposition, Kennedy’s nomination could be in serious jeopardy.
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