Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is making headlines as he eyes the role of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, following his nomination by President Donald Trump. The reaction to his nomination has been polarizing, with some Senate Democrats reportedly considering supporting him, notwithstanding the firestorm of backlash against Kennedy's controversial stance on public health issues—most prominently, his anti-vaccine beliefs.
Several sources indicated notable Senate figures, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), may be surprisingly open to voting for Kennedy, due to their shared critiques of the excessive corporate influence on the food industry and interest in reducing chemical additives from food products. Sanders’ and Fetterman's willingness to even contemplate support for Kennedy’s nomination raises eyebrows amid widespread opposition from within the Democratic Party.
According to insiders, Kennedy can be seen vying for the support he needs as preparations for confirmation hearings ramp up. It’s noted, “I think Bernie will give him a fair review,” said one source close to the senator’s office, hinting at the complex dynamics playing out as Kennedy attempts to mobilize support from key senators.
Despite this apparent openness from some Democrats, many others remain staunchly opposed due to Kennedy’s vehement opposition to vaccinations—specifically his long-held belief linking them to adverse health effects. Notably, Gov. Josh Green of Hawaii has emerged as one of Kennedy's most vocal critics. Green's criticisms stem from his personal experiences during the 2019 measles outbreak linked to declining vaccination rates fueled by sentiments similar to those professed by Kennedy.
During his appearances on national news platforms, Green has characterized Kennedy’s nomination as the “worst possible” choice for HHS, labeling it “a cruel joke” played on the American public. The governor reflected on how Kennedy’s previous stance on vaccines contributed to detrimental public health consequences, saying, “This person torpedoed and destroyed their confidence... 83 individuals died,”—a sobering reflection of the chaos generated by vaccine hesitance.
With the specter of Kennedy’s nomination looming, Green seeks to leverage his experience as both a physician and the former lieutenant governor who had to respond to the health crisis, merits his arguments against Kennedy's appointment considerable weight on the left.
Meanwhile, Kennedy’s nomination—bringing with it visions of reforming health and food systems—has sparked renewed discussions about handling ultra-processed foods, often labeled as unhealthy and detrimental. Advocates and opponents of processed food consumption have stepped back onto the stage, fueled by Kennedy’s rhetoric paralleling concerns over public health and the influence of the food industry. Trump’s tweet about Kennedy emphasized his hopes to restore “Gold Standard Scientific Research” to HHS, positioning Kennedy as beneficial for health and safety reform.
On Capitol Hill, Kennedy is expected to meet with Republican senators to curry favor. His meetings appear to be part of the broader strategy aimed at consolidative support, indicating his approach will address key themes surrounding food safety, public health, and corporate accountability.
Progressives like Nina Turner, affiliated with Sanders, speculated about the vote swings within the Democratic caucus, noting how dynamic relations can shift with the confirmation hearings. “I am no expert on Fetterman, but my sense is he and [Sanders] will vote for RFK,” Turner noted, reflecting the uncertainty around party lines and shifting allegiances.
Yet, this openness from Senators is counterbalanced by significant resistance. Prominent Democrats, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), have galvanized opposition, leaving many questioning whether Kennedy can convince the Senate to prioritize the health agenda he promotes, especially concerning his vaccine skepticism.
Fetterman's earlier hesitance to engage with Kennedy, wherein he stated, “I’m not going to really take any kind of advice [from] a dude who chainsaws whale heads,” seems to be understated by recent developments. The senator potentially appears to be reconsidering his stance, possibly recognizing areas where collaboration may be feasible.
Should Kennedy’s nomination secure traction, it would necessitate majority support from Republican senators—all but three—while needing to attract at least one Democrat to solidify his path forward. Alternately, the vaccine skepticism looming over his candidacy promises to be the baggage he carries through numerous scrutiny-filled hearings.
Substantial concerns loom not only among Democrats but also within factions of the Republican Party. Some GOP members express caution over Kennedy's past assertions and his inconsistent positions on vaccines. This situation only amplifies challenges as Kennedy attempts to clarify his stance—telling reporters, “I’m all for the polio vaccine,” signaling his awareness of the delicate political terrain he treads.
The intersection of Kennedy's anti-vaccine rhetoric and increasingly vocal opposition among public health advocates sets the stage for hearings anticipated to be fraught with contention. Whether Kennedy can bridge the divides built on public skepticism remains to be seen. Green encapsulated the stakes aptly, articulling, “This is exactly what will happen if he’s confirmed.”