RFK Jr. says he plans to also meet with Dems in bid to get confirmed as Trump HHS head
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is making moves to secure support from both Senate Democrats and Republicans as he seeks confirmation as the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in President-elect Trump’s incoming administration. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Kennedy confirmed that he plans to meet with Democrats on Capitol Hill in addition to the Republicans he has already met with.
Kennedy, a former Democrat himself, did not specify which Senate Democrats he would be meeting with, but emphasized that he is open to engaging with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. This bipartisan approach is crucial as Kennedy faces potential obstacles in his confirmation process, particularly in areas such as vaccines, agriculture, and abortion.
As a vocal critic of vaccinations, Kennedy’s stance on this issue has raised concerns among some senators, both Republican and Democrat. His support for abortion rights has also sparked questions among Republicans, as HHS plays a role in regulating abortion-related policies. However, Kennedy’s advocacy for food industry and farming reforms has garnered support from Democrats, highlighting the complexity of his confirmation process.
It remains to be seen what the coalition supporting Kennedy will look like in the Senate, as he navigates the challenges posed by his controversial stances on key issues. Whether he will receive unanimous support from Republicans or need to garner some Democratic backing remains uncertain. As Kennedy continues to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, his path to confirmation as HHS secretary will be closely watched by observers on both sides of the political spectrum.
