By Noah Weiland
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee for health secretary chosen by President-elect Donald Trump, commenced discussions with Republican lawmakers late Monday afternoon to advocate for a role in Trump’s Cabinet.
In his initial meeting, part of over 20 scheduled appointments with Republicans, Kennedy engaged with Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, a devoted supporter of Trump who has expressed confidence that Kennedy will be confirmed for the position, despite scrutiny regarding his long-held anti-vaccine views. Scott indicated that they did not cover Kennedy’s opinion on the polio vaccine, which has been scrutinized following his lawyer’s request for the FDA to withdraw its approval.
“Our objective regarding vaccines is aligned,” Scott noted, referring to himself and Kennedy. “We aim to provide more information so individuals can make educated choices.”
Kennedy is anticipated to face extensive questioning about his vaccine beliefs and his position on abortion rights, which have drawn criticism from certain social conservatives. He has stated that he does not intend to eliminate access to vaccines but has raised concerns about their safety, attempting to connect them to an increase in autism rates among children — a widely debunked notion.
On Friday, The New York Times revealed that a lawyer assisting Kennedy with vetting candidates for Trump’s impending administration had filed a petition to revoke approval for the polio vaccine. In a bid to distance himself from this petition, Kennedy asserted to reporters on Monday that he fully supports the vaccine.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader and a polio survivor, remarked in a statement on Friday that the petition could threaten Kennedy’s confirmation.
“Any individual seeking Senate approval for the incoming administration would be wise to avoid even the appearance of affiliation with such initiatives,” McConnell stated, someone who could play a crucial role in Kennedy’s confirmation.
During a news conference on Monday at Mar-a-Lago, his estate in Florida, Trump voiced support for both Kennedy and the polio vaccine, declaring himself a “big believer” in vaccination.
“You’re not going to lose the polio vaccine,” Trump asserted. “That’s not going to occur.” He remarked that Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed the polio vaccine, had performed a “remarkable job.”
Trump suggested that Kennedy, as health secretary, would be “far less radical than one might expect.”
“I believe he has a very open mind, or I wouldn’t have appointed him,” Trump stated. “He’s going to be significantly less radical.”
When queried about a potential link between vaccines and autism, Trump referenced rising autism rates in recent years, implying a possible connection — a theory dismissed by numerous studies.
“There’s something amiss,” he remarked. “And we will uncover it.”
Once nominated by a president, candidates for high-ranking positions within an administration require Senate confirmation. The Republicans will dominate the chamber, but their 53-47 majority allows them to lose a few votes while still endorsing Trump’s choices.
Kennedy is scheduled to meet this week with Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a more centrist Republican, and some doctors within the party, including Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas.
Having previously run for president as a Democrat and independent before exiting the race and endorsing Trump, Kennedy will likely face inquiries regarding his views on abortion access.
Former Vice President Mike Pence has urged Republican senators to oppose Kennedy, referencing his history of supporting abortion rights.
“On behalf of millions of pro-life Americans, I respectfully call on Senate Republicans to reject this nomination and provide the American populace with a leader who will honor the sanctity of life as the secretary of Health and Human Services,” Pence expressed in a statement.
