Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared to reverse his controversial stance on the polio vaccine on Monday, signaling an effort to ease concerns about his vaccine positions after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy’s reversal came as he spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill, where he met with lawmakers ahead of what is expected to be a contentious confirmation process. “I’m all for [the polio vaccine],” Kennedy said, CNN reported.
The shift follows comments earlier in the day by Trump at a press conference held at his Mar-a-Lago golf club, where he reassured Americans about the vaccine’s future. “Americans are not going to lose the polio vaccine,” Trump said.
Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, has long promoted conspiracy theories about vaccines, autism, and, more recently, fluoride in drinking water. His nomination to head the nation’s health agency has drawn skepticism on Capitol Hill, particularly regarding his history of undermining public trust in vaccines.
It was Kennedy’s past statements on the polio vaccine specifically that prompted outgoing Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)—a polio survivor himself—to issue a pointed warning. “The polio vaccine has saved millions of lives and held out the promise of eradicating a terrible disease,” McConnell said last week.
“Efforts to undermine public confidence in proven cures are not just uninformed — they’re dangerous. Anyone seeking the Senate’s consent to serve in the incoming Administration would do well to steer clear of even the appearance of association with such efforts.”
Despite Kennedy’s newfound support for the polio vaccine, some lawmakers remain unconvinced. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) voiced skepticism, noting that Kennedy’s reversal seemed selective. “I haven’t heard that,” Murkowski told CNN regarding his comment. “But then I guess it begs the question: is it just that one vaccine, or kind of where is it coming from more broadly?”
The polio vaccine, which has been extensively studied and widely administered since its development in 1977, has helped eradicate the disease in much of the world. More than 280 million people have received the vaccine globally, according to its manufacturer.
Kennedy’s controversial history with vaccines will likely dominate his confirmation hearings, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle probing his broader stance on public health policy. His sudden pivot on the polio vaccine may mark a calculated attempt to garner support, but questions remain about his positions on other vaccines and his overall credibility as a health leader.