Trump-aligned group putting pressure on Republican senators in push to confirm RFK Jr.
A newly established external group that supports President Donald Trump is now focusing on Republican senators who have not yet made up their minds about Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee for Health and Human Services secretary. The Patient First Coalition (PFC), a non-profit organization formed recently, is embarking on a significant grassroots campaign to persuade Republican senators to back Kennedy, a vocal critic of vaccines and advocate for environmental causes who previously ran for president in 2024 before endorsing Trump.
Kennedy faced intense scrutiny during back-to-back Senate confirmation hearings last week, where he was grilled on his controversial remarks, including his debunked claims linking vaccines to autism. Despite the heated hearings, Kennedy managed to survive, and the Senate Finance Committee is set to vote on his confirmation on Tuesday.
The PFC, a coalition of organizations dedicated to advancing Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, is spearheading the effort to rally support for the nominee. The group plans to mobilize supporters through various platforms, including television, radio, and podcasts featuring advisory board members, as well as op-eds in newspapers across the country.
The PFC’s initial focus will be on persuading undecided Republican senators in key states such as Louisiana, Maine, Alaska, Kentucky, and North Carolina. These states are home to senators who have expressed reservations about Kennedy, citing concerns about his past statements undermining confidence in vaccines.
The campaign by the PFC is part of a broader effort by outside groups aligned with Trump to ensure the confirmation of the president’s nominees. There are indications that these groups could exert pressure on Republican senators who do not support Trump’s Cabinet picks.
In response to the mounting pressure, Trump took to social media to urge Senate Republicans to act swiftly in confirming the remaining members of his Cabinet. The president’s call for action underscores the significance of Kennedy’s nomination and the polarizing debate surrounding his confirmation.
As the confirmation process unfolds, the political landscape remains fluid, with various stakeholders vying for influence. The outcome of the Senate vote on Kennedy’s nomination will not only impact the future of the Health and Human Services department but also reflect the broader ideological divide within the Republican Party.
In conclusion, the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary is shaping up to be a contentious and closely watched battle. The efforts of the Patient First Coalition and other external groups underscore the high stakes involved, as supporters and detractors alike mobilize to sway the outcome of the Senate vote. As the drama unfolds, all eyes will be on Capitol Hill to see how the political maneuvering plays out in this critical juncture of the Trump administration.
