Statements from Democratic Senators or major news outlets

Trump's HHS Nominee RFK Jr. Meets GOP Senators Amid McConnell's Vaccine Warning

Dec 16, 2024, 10:17 AM

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, has begun a series of private meetings with more than 25 Republican senators on Capitol Hill to secure support for his confirmation. The discussions, which started on Monday, aim to win over GOP skeptics and address concerns about his stance on vaccines and abortion. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has issued a stern warning to Kennedy and Trump's nominees to avoid criticism of vaccines, calling them "proven cures." In response, Kennedy plans to downplay the vaccine issue, emphasize healthy food initiatives, and align with Trump's abortion messaging. Senators scheduled to meet with Kennedy include incoming Majority Leader John Thune, Lindsey Graham, Josh Hawley, Lisa Murkowski, and others, while some senators like Chuck Grassley and Bill Cassidy have indicated they will meet with him at a later date. Progressive senators remain deeply skeptical of Kennedy, who seeks to build bipartisan support for his nomination.