Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, is no stranger to attention. His Senate confirmation hearings were packed with supporters and critics alike, showing just how much influence he has. Many of his fans, especially mothers, filled the rooms, showing up to back him. Some protesters also attended, holding signs that read, “Say NO to RFK Jr.” On the first day of the hearing, one protester shouted, “He lies!” but was quickly removed. Meanwhile, supporters cheered, chanting, “We love you, Bobby!”
Kennedy’s wife, actress Cheryl Hines, was present, sitting in the front row and flashing her trademark smile as Kennedy answered questions from Senator Bernie Sanders. Sanders, who is known for his fiery speeches, used baby onesies with anti-vaccine messages as a prop during his questioning of Kennedy. The room burst into laughter as Sanders asked if Kennedy supported these messages, highlighting his controversial views on vaccines.
Kennedy, once an environmental lawyer with no formal medical training, has gained support for his outspoken views on food safety. His platform, called “Make America Healthy Again,” focuses on fighting food additives and chemicals that are banned in other countries. Many supporters, like Melissa Bordes, a mother from Florida, believe Kennedy will bring real change, exposing corruption in the pharmaceutical industry and improving health policies for families.
Kennedy’s influence extends beyond just mothers; activists like Vani Hari, a popular food advocate, also back him. Hari believes the government has failed to protect citizens from harmful food additives, and she hopes Kennedy will hold companies accountable.
However, Kennedy’s views on health have sparked controversy. He has made claims that Wi-Fi causes cancer, fluoride in water leads to bone cancer, and that COVID-19 was deliberately targeted at certain races. Critics like Laura Anderko, a public health expert, worry about his influence, especially when it comes to vaccines. Kennedy has publicly stated he is “pro-safety” rather than anti-vaccine, despite his past claims about vaccines being linked to autism.
Some senators, like Bill Cassidy, acknowledged Kennedy’s strong following but urged him to clearly state that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism. The hearings revealed Kennedy’s powerful influence, but also the deep divisions over his views on health and safety.
