Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s supporters are increasingly concerned that he may not have succeeded in persuading enough senators to endorse his nomination as Donald Trump’s top health official. This follows reports of Kennedy conducting urgent discussions with both Democratic and Republican senators in anticipation of a two-day Senate hearing set for later this week. So far, he has engaged with over 60 senators since his nomination.
According to an associate of Kennedy, the situation is tense. “There’s more anxiety now than ever,” they remarked. “This is a pivotal week: if the vote were today, the outcome would be uncertain. We need to build momentum to counteract the negative views that have circulated.”
Resistance to Kennedy’s nomination has surfaced from significant conservative figures and organizations, founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, who have voiced concerns regarding Kennedy’s support of abortion rights.
Washington policy analyst Chris Meekins noted the precarious nature of Kennedy’s candidacy, indicating that he is among the most vulnerable nominees due to varying perspectives within the Senate. Republican senators Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, and Lisa Murkowski are viewed as likely opponents to his nomination. These senators previously voted against Trump’s nominee for defense secretary.
Kennedy’s advocacy for abortion rights, along with his ambitions to reform the food sector and biomedical funding, could alienate certain Republican senators. Those with pro-life stances, such as James Lankford, and others with ties to the pharmaceutical industry or agricultural interests might also oppose him.
While one Indiana senator reportedly had a constructive meeting with Kennedy, responses from other senators regarding his nomination have not been forthcoming.
Meekins characterized the impending hearings as potentially the most significant for any Health and Human Services secretary in many years. Should he be confirmed, Kennedy, who has publicly questioned vaccines and criticized the pharmaceutical industry, would oversee a department with considerable reach and funding.
A spokesperson for Kennedy has expressed strong confidence in his eventual Senate confirmation. Prediction markets reflect a divided outlook, giving Kennedy an 80% chance of success, contrasting sharply with near certainty for some of Trump’s other nominees.
Kennedy has faced backlash for his past stances against certain vaccines, although he has moderated these opinions to garner support from senators. His financial ties to vaccine litigation, including plans to retain a stake in potential earnings from lawsuits against a vaccine, also raise eyebrows among some legislators.
Furthermore, Kennedy’s commitment to banning high-fructose corn syrup has been a point of concern for senators representing agricultural states.
Some Democratic senators have shown signs of support for Kennedy’s nomination, introducing additional complexity into the voting dynamics. The schedule delay for his Senate hearings has also led to speculation about insufficient backing.
“Delays are not beneficial when you’re looking for a smooth process,” remarked a former health policy director. “At best, he may receive approval by a narrow margin.”
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