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GOP senators appear to be embracing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s potential. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, despite his controversial views on vaccines and the pro-abortion registry.
Kennedy was initially thought to have a tough road to confirmation, but after meeting with about two dozen senators this week, many seemed willing to look beyond his political background and focus on areas of interest shared
Kennedy’s confirmation is not a sure bet, but he has faced far less skepticism than some of Trump’s other divisive picks, notably Pete Hegseth, his pick to lead the Pentagon, and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D- Hawaii), selected to head a key intelligence office.
Sen. Thom Tillis (RNC) said he had a “productive” conversation with Kennedy and has heard similar sentiments from his colleagues, though he acknowledged there may still be some points of “possible contention.”
“I think (Kennedy) stepped up,” Tillis said. “I’ve heard generally positive feedback just about the interaction, but most offices also say they have things to track.”
Opposition to Kennedy centers primarily on his policy positions, many of which run counter to traditional GOP orthodoxy. The former democrat turned independent has spoken out in favor of abortion. He also has a long history of questioning vaccines and has promoted the disproven idea that vaccines cause autism.
Tillis said he disagrees with labeling Kennedy anti-vaccine.
“I think he has concerns with some vaccines, but I’ve gone beyond the broad brush, the characterization, based on my discussion,” he said.
Kennedy argues that the rise in chronic disease in the United States can be attributed to ultra-processed foods, environmental toxins and chemical additives. He wants to ban fluoridated water and increase access to raw milk.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) said he felt Kennedy was likable, even though they have very different views on the fossil fuel industry and how it affects public health.
Mullin said he believes Kennedy is asking the right questions about the science and safety behind some vaccines.
“The more you talk to him, the more he tells you, the more you like him,” Mullin said.
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), a physician, is among Kennedy’s most enthusiastic supporters. He immediately supported Kennedy after their meeting.
Later in the week, he launched a “Make America Healthy Again” caucus with Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Ron Johnson (R -Wyo.) -Sa.).
“Right now, America doesn’t have its health. Think about it, 60 percent of Americans have a chronic disease, 20 percent of our kids are on some kind of medication. Let’s put air under RFK Jr.’s dream. , and that’s my dream, too,” Marshall told Fox News on Friday.
So far, Kennedy has met mostly with staunch conservatives, many of whom are close allies of President-elect Trump and most likely oppose the candidate’s previous pro-abortion stance.
But after meeting with him, they have expressed no reservations.
When Kennedy launched his presidential campaign as a Democrat, he passed a ban on abortion after the first trimester, but then quickly backtracked. He also suggested that he was opposed to banning abortion before fetal viability, usually around 24 weeks of pregnancy.
On his campaign website, Kennedy said he is “a strong supporter of the principles established 50 years ago in Roe v. Wade” and that “if the courts do not overturn Dobbs v. Jackson and restore abortion rights , will support legislation to achieve the same.”
Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), who has called himself the “most pro-life” senator, said he came away from his meeting with Kennedy feeling relieved.
“I don’t think he’s tried to convince me of his pro-life credentials. We all know he’s held various positions over the years in this area,” Lankford said. “What he assured me is that President Trump … is pro-life. He used to have a pro-life HHS, and these are the policies he’s going to have again. He made it very, very clear where President Trump stands on that and what he plans to be able to implement.”
Similarly, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said Kennedy committed to implementation all the anti-abortion policies of Trump’s first term.
Tuberville, who held military promotions for months because he opposed the Pentagon’s abortion policy, walked into his meeting with Kennedy to ask about abortion. He endorsed Kennedy in a post on X soon after.
“Our meeting reaffirmed what I already knew: RFK Jr. is the right man to make sure our food is safe, bring transparency to vaccines and health care, and make America healthy again.” Tuberville. he wrote.
Kennedy has yet to meet with potential swing vote Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) or Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), a polio survivor who recently widely criticized effortsto revoke the approval of the polio vaccine.
Without mentioning Kennedy by name, McConnell said “anyone seeking Senate consent to serve in the incoming administration would do well to avoid even the appearance of association with these efforts.”
If every Democrat opposes it, Kennedy can only afford to lose three Republican votes.
Other top Republicans, including Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), the incoming chairman of the Senate HELP health committee, and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) will not meet with RFK Jr. until January
