WASHINGTON (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s affirmation listening to to turn out to be the nation’s high well being official rapidly devolved into an argument over the questions he’s persistently raised about vaccine security over a few years.
Kennedy is looking for to steer a $1.7 trillion company that may oversee vaccine suggestions in addition to meals inspections and medical health insurance for half the nation in President Donald Trump’s administration.
In generally heated exchanges on Wednesday, Kennedy denied that he’s anti-vaccine. However Kennedy, who identified that his youngsters are vaccinated, acknowledged he has requested “uncomfortable questions” about vaccinations.
“I believe that vaccines play a critical role in health care,” Kennedy advised the Senate Finance Committee.
That drew fast pushback from Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon — and ensuing forwards and backwards between him and Kennedy. Wyden identified the well being secretary nominee has beforehand claimed there’s “no safe” vaccine. Wyden additionally quoted from Kennedy’s books, which say that oldsters have been “misled” on the measles vaccine.
“You have spent years pushing conflicting stories about vaccines,” Wyden mentioned.
Over a few years, Kennedy has been clear about his beliefs on vaccines in dozens of interviews, podcasts and social media posts.
He’s headed up a nonprofit that has sued the federal government over its authorizations of vaccines. He’s mentioned there may be “no vaccine that is safe and effective” and repeatedly referred to as for additional research of routine childhood vaccinations, regardless of a long time of analysis and real-world use that proves they’ve safely prevented illness.
However, extra lately, Kennedy has tried to downplay his previous remarks.
Kennedy hails from one of many nation’s most storied political households and is the son of the late Lawyer Common Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy. He first challenged President Joe Biden for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. He then ran as an unbiased however deserted his bid over the summer time after hanging a deal to endorse Trump, a Republican, in alternate for a promise to serve in a well being coverage position throughout a second Trump administration.
Trump chosen Kennedy in November, shortly after he gained the presidential election, saying Kennedy would “end the Chronic Disease epidemic” and “Make America Great and Healthy Again!” As considered one of probably the most distinguished anti-vaccine activists on the earth, Kennedy’s nomination instantly alarmed some public well being officers.