“Given Your Dangerous Views”: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Faces Delayed HHS Confirmation Amid Scrutiny
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gives remarks at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel on Aug. 23, 2024 in Phoenix. Kennedy announced that he was suspending his presidential campaign and supporting the Republican presidential candidate Trump. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)
Incoming President Donald Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is still awaiting confirmation hearings after delays tied to his financial disclosures.
The Washington Post reported Sunday that the Office of Government Ethics is reviewing Kennedy’s recently amended financial statements. “Senators traditionally wait to schedule confirmation hearings until that process is completed,” the report explained.
This delay has pushed Kennedy’s hearing date to late January at the earliest, prolonging scrutiny of his record and public positions. According to the Post, Kennedy’s solo appearance before the Senate — unaccompanied by other nominees vying for attention — could intensify the spotlight on his controversial views.
Senators, including Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), are using the extra time to prepare their critiques. Warren shared a letter with the Post containing roughly 175 questions for Kennedy, focusing on his controversial stance on vaccines and public health.
“Given your dangerous views on vaccine safety and public health, including your baseless opposition to vaccines, and your inconsistent statements in important policy areas like reproductive rights access, I have serious concerns regarding your ability to oversee the Department,” Warren wrote.
Kennedy, a vocal environmental lawyer and prominent critic of vaccines, previously ran for the Democratic presidential nomination before switching to independent status in 2023. He later endorsed Trump, who nominated him to head the HHS. Kennedy’s mission for the department is branded as “MAHA: Make America Healthy Again.”
The delay has also drawn criticism from advocacy groups. Advancing American Freedom, a group backed by former Vice President Mike Pence, urged senators to probe Kennedy’s commitment to anti-abortion goals, such as restricting access to abortion medication.
Kennedy’s nomination has sparked bipartisan concern due to his polarizing positions and family legacy as a Democrat from one of the nation’s most prominent political dynasties.
Meanwhile, several of Trump’s other cabinet nominees, including Pete Hegseth, Pam Bondi, Marco Rubio, and Scott Bessent, have already faced Senate committees. Still awaiting hearings alongside Kennedy are Tulsi Gabbard, nominee for Director of National Intelligence, and Kash Patel, nominee for FBI Director.
As Kennedy’s confirmation hearing looms, critics and supporters alike anticipate a contentious session that could set the tone for Trump’s cabinet appointments.
