Scoop: Trump HHS secretary nominee RFK Jr to stress he’s not ‘anti-vaccine’ at confirmation hearing

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is set to address Congress in an effort to clarify his stance on vaccines. Kennedy, who has been criticized for his controversial views linking vaccines to autism, will emphasize that he is not “anti-vaccine” but rather “pro-safety.”

In his opening statement before the Senate Finance Committee, Kennedy will stress that he is not the enemy of food producers and that he aims to work with farmers and food producers to remove burdensome regulations and promote American ingenuity. He will also highlight that all of his children are vaccinated, acknowledging the critical role vaccines play in healthcare.

Kennedy’s nomination has faced opposition due to his past advocacy against vaccines and his role in the Children’s Health Defense organization. Despite this, Kennedy has expressed his commitment to addressing the nation’s health challenges honestly and shifting the focus of HHS towards promoting a healthy lifestyle and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases.

If confirmed, Kennedy plans to overhaul dietary guidelines, target ultra-processed foods, and tackle the country’s health crisis. He aims to create an unbiased, science-driven HHS that is accountable to the President, Congress, and the American people. Kennedy also intends to ensure that tax dollars support healthy foods, scrutinize chemical additives in the food supply, and eliminate financial conflicts of interest within agencies.

However, Kennedy’s nomination has faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. Some have raised concerns about his lack of experience and questioned his commitment to programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Additionally, social conservative Republicans have taken issue with Kennedy’s past support for abortion rights.

Despite the opposition, Kennedy remains prepared and excited for the confirmation hearings. He has expressed gratitude to his family for their support and reiterated his dedication to public service. As the hearings commence, Kennedy will have the opportunity to address these concerns and make his case for leading the Department of Health and Human Services.