More than 80 organizations have voiced strong opposition to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ahead of his Senate confirmation hearing scheduled for next week. The scientific advocacy group 314 Action has launched a six-figure advertising campaign in an effort to sway Republican senators against his confirmation.
The $250,000 campaign targets eight states, urging GOP lawmakers—including Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), and John Curtis (Utah)—to reject Kennedy’s nomination. The ads emphasize concerns over Kennedy’s history of spreading vaccine misinformation, which critics argue poses a significant threat to public health.
“Senators on both sides of the aisle have a responsibility to hold him accountable,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action, an organization focused on electing science-driven Democrats to public office. Kennedy’s confirmation hearing will provide senators with an opportunity to question his qualifications and controversial positions.
Background on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a prominent environmental attorney and son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Over the years, he has gained attention for his outspoken views on vaccines, environmental policy, and public health. Kennedy has been a vocal critic of vaccines, often questioning their safety and efficacy. He disputes the label of “anti-vaccine” but has led Children’s Health Defense, a group known for promoting vaccine misinformation.
In a 2023 interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, Kennedy asserted that no vaccines are entirely safe or effective. Despite his controversial stance, Kennedy has stated he would not prevent Americans from getting vaccinated if confirmed as HHS secretary. He has also expressed intentions to tackle chronic disease, reduce ties between the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the pharmaceutical industry, and advocate for the removal of fluoride from water systems.
Coordinated Opposition
Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen and healthcare coverage organization Protect Our Care spearheaded a joint letter to all 100 U.S. senators, urging them to oppose Kennedy’s nomination. The letter, co-signed by 85 other organizations—including the Union of Concerned Scientists, the NAACP, and the National Organization for Women—warned of the potential consequences of Kennedy’s leadership.
“If Robert F. Kennedy Jr. takes command of the Department of Health and Human Services, we will face lies and disinformation at an unprecedented scale that are capable of unwinding a century of progress on fighting disease and promoting public health,” the letter stated, according to a copy reviewed by Reuters.
Republican President Donald Trump nominated Kennedy for the position in November, a decision that has polarized opinion within both political parties. While opposition to Kennedy primarily focuses on his anti-vaccine rhetoric, some conservative groups, including one founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, have also criticized his support for abortion rights.
Ethical Concerns
Kennedy has faced additional scrutiny over his financial ties to Wisner Baum, a law firm specializing in pharmaceutical injury cases. According to a letter Kennedy sent to an HHS ethics official, he has an arrangement to receive 10% of fees from contingency cases he refers to the firm. While Kennedy has stated he would retain this financial interest in cases that do not directly involve the federal government, the arrangement raises ethical questions about potential conflicts of interest if he assumes the role of HHS secretary.
Republican Unity and the Road Ahead
Despite widespread opposition, no Republican senators have publicly announced their intent to vote against Kennedy’s nomination. With Republicans holding a narrow three-seat majority in the Senate, party leaders are working to ensure unity behind Kennedy’s confirmation.
Kennedy’s nomination has sparked heated debate, with critics arguing his controversial views on vaccines and public health make him unfit for the position. Supporters, however, contend that his outsider perspective could bring needed reforms to the HHS.
The upcoming Senate hearing will be a pivotal moment, determining whether Kennedy’s nomination advances or faces significant roadblocks. For now, the fate of his leadership at HHS remains uncertain, with the outcome likely to have lasting implications for public health policy in the United States.