Wed, 29 Jan 2025

Three key takeaways from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Senate confirmation hearing

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's controversial pick to lead Health and Human Services, testified before a Senate panel that is crucial to advance his nomination.

* Kennedy, President Trump's pick for HHS Secretary, testified before a Senate committee on his views on vaccines and other issues.
* He denied being anti-vaccine, despite previous statements questioning their safety and effectiveness.
* Senators pointed out that his comments were misleading and contradicted by scientific evidence, particularly regarding the measles outbreak in Samoa in 2019.
* Kennedy claimed he supported the measles vaccine but said measles is not a deadly disease, which was disputed by senators.
* He stated that every abortion is a tragedy, despite previously supporting abortion rights.
* Democrats questioned whether he had reversed his stance on abortion for political expediency.
* Kennedy appeared to struggle when asked about Medicaid reform and funding, confusing it with Medicare at times.
* His cousin, Caroline Kennedy, wrote a letter to senators urging them not to confirm him due to concerns over his views.
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