‘RFK Kills People With Hate’: Angry protesters disrupt Senate hearing
The Senate HELP Committee hearing on Capitol Hill was disrupted by angry protesters on Tuesday, as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified about the agency’s 2026 budget aligning with President Donald Trump’s agenda. Kennedy was unable to finish his opening statement before multiple protesters began yelling that he was “killing people with hate.”
“RFK kills people with hate!” the protesters chanted, causing a commotion that prompted Capitol Police to remove the disruptive individuals from the room. Senate HELP Committee Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., paused the hearing to address the disruptions, reminding the audience that such behavior would not be tolerated.
After order was restored, Cassidy humorously referred to the incident as a “made-for-C-SPAN moment.” The disruption came just weeks after HHS released its budget for fiscal year 2026, with Kennedy testifying about how the budget reflects the administration’s priorities.
Kennedy outlined the goals of HHS under his leadership, emphasizing a focus on tackling the chronic disease epidemic, improving services for Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs, and cutting costs for taxpayers. Despite the interruptions, Kennedy remained composed and focused on delivering his message to the committee.
The incident at the hearing underscores the divisive nature of politics and the challenges faced by government officials in communicating their policies and priorities. As the debate over healthcare and government spending continues, events like these serve as a reminder of the passionate voices on all sides of the political spectrum.
The disruption at the Senate hearing highlights the need for civil discourse and respectful engagement in political debates. While protests are a fundamental right in a democratic society, it is essential to find constructive ways to express dissent and engage in meaningful dialogue. Only then can policymakers and the public work together to address the pressing issues facing our nation.
