A tense exchange unfolded on Capitol Hill Wednesday when Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. clashed over the latter’s controversial anti-vaccine stance during Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearing for President Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy Jr., long known for his vocal opposition to vaccines, was questioned by Sanders about his ties to Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine nonprofit organization where Kennedy Jr. is listed as a founder and former chairman. Despite Kennedy Jr.’s efforts to distance himself from his past rhetoric, Sanders sharply criticized his continued association with the organization, which promotes vaccine misinformation.
Sanders Targets Anti-Vaccine Messaging
The exchange became heated when Sanders, who has been a strong advocate for public health and vaccinations, raised concerns about Children’s Health Defense’s online store. The senator pointed out that the organization was selling infant clothing with anti-vaccine slogans, including onesies with the phrases “Unvaxxed Unafraid” and “No Vax No Problem.”
RFK’s Children’s Health Defense is making money selling a child’s onesie with the phrases “No Vax, No Problem” and “Unvaxxed, Unafraid” to parents for $26.
Now that RFK is “pro-vaccine”, will he ask his organization to stop selling these vehemently anti-vaccine products? pic.twitter.com/vTAHOJRakH
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) January 29, 2025
“These are little things — clothing for babies,” Sanders remarked, referencing the onesies that retail for $25.99. “Now you’re coming before this committee and you say you’re pro-vaccine?” he asked Kennedy Jr., visibly frustrated.
Kennedy Jr. attempted to distance himself from the organization’s actions, stating that he had no control over the nonprofit and had stepped down from his leadership role. “I have no power over that organization,” he said. A blog post from Children’s Health Defense confirmed that Kennedy Jr. had resigned as chairman in December, anticipating his confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. However, Kennedy Jr.’s biography still appears on the organization’s website, and the group continued to livestream his confirmation hearing.
Despite Kennedy Jr.’s assertions, Sanders pressed further. “You certainly have power. Are you supportive of this? Are you supportive of these onesies?” Sanders asked, challenging Kennedy Jr.’s claim that he no longer endorsed the organization’s anti-vaccine message.
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Kennedy Jr. responded, “I’m supportive of vaccines,” marking a significant break from his longstanding political views and offering a rare concession on the issue.
A Rocky Confirmation Process
Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is viewed as one of the most contentious among President Trump’s nominees. His history of criticizing federal health agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and his previous stances on issues like abortion rights have raised significant doubts about his fitness for the position.
Kennedy Jr.’s position on vaccines has been a focal point of concern, with critics fearing that his appointment could undermine efforts to combat vaccine misinformation and strengthen public health protections. As Secretary of HHS, Kennedy Jr. would be responsible for overseeing the nation’s response to public health issues, including vaccination programs.
In addition to concerns over his controversial views on vaccines, Kennedy Jr. has faced mounting criticism from his own family. On Tuesday, his cousin, Caroline Kennedy, sent a letter to senators calling her relative a “predator” and unqualified for the HHS post. She urged lawmakers not to confirm his nomination.
Last year, four of Kennedy Jr.’s siblings also publicly denounced him following his failed presidential bid, further complicating his political career. Kennedy Jr. has also been embroiled in personal scandals, including accusations of sexual assault and an alleged relationship with a journalist who profiled him.
A History of Controversy
Kennedy Jr., the son of the late Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, has been a polarizing figure in American politics for years. While he is admired by some for his environmental advocacy, particularly his work on water and air pollution, his public stance against vaccines has sparked widespread criticism.
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His anti-vaccine rhetoric has put him at odds with medical experts, who argue that his claims contribute to vaccine hesitancy and the spread of misinformation. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly claimed that vaccines cause autism, a debunked theory that has been widely discredited by the medical community. His involvement with Children’s Health Defense, which promotes these views, has only amplified concerns about his suitability for a role that oversees public health policy.
The controversy surrounding Kennedy Jr.’s nomination underscores the larger battle over public health and misinformation in the United States. In recent years, the rise of anti-vaccine groups has coincided with outbreaks of preventable diseases, including measles, as vaccine rates have declined in some communities.
Family Tensions and Scandals
Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearing also comes amid ongoing family tensions. The criticism from Caroline Kennedy and other family members adds a personal layer to the political drama surrounding his nomination. While the Kennedy family has long been a prominent political dynasty, Kennedy Jr.’s departure from many of the family’s core values has created a rift within the family.
In addition to the family backlash, Kennedy Jr. has faced personal and legal challenges. He has been accused of sexual assault, though he has denied the allegations. His past relationship with a journalist who profiled him has also come under scrutiny, further complicating his political career.
As Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation process continues, his ties to anti-vaccine groups and controversial personal history are expected to remain central issues. The final vote on his confirmation is yet to be scheduled, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are likely to continue scrutinizing his record.
For now, the clash between Bernie Sanders and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over vaccines is just one chapter in what promises to be a protracted and contentious confirmation process. With both public health and family dynamics at play, Kennedy Jr.’s future as Secretary of Health and Human Services remains uncertain.