RFK Jr.'s HHS Nomination Faces Bipartisan Scrutiny Over Vaccine Stance and Financial Ties

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump's pick for Health Secretary, is under fire for his anti-vaccine advocacy and financial interests in ongoing lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies.

More than 80 organizations, including major public health and civil rights groups, have urged senators to reject Kennedy's nomination, citing his history of spreading vaccine misinformation.
Kennedy disclosed he will continue earning referral fees from lawsuits against Merck's Gardasil vaccine, raising concerns about conflicts of interest as he seeks to oversee agencies regulating pharmaceuticals.
Kennedy has pledged to divest from cases involving the U.S. government and from investments in biotech and healthcare companies if confirmed as HHS Secretary.
Critics from both political parties, including a group founded by former Vice President Pence, have highlighted Kennedy's anti-vaccine rhetoric and past support for abortion rights as disqualifying factors.
The Senate Finance Committee has scheduled Kennedy's confirmation hearing for January 29, with his narrow path to approval hinging on Republican unity and Democratic opposition.