RFK Jr.'s HHS nomination shows GOP divide
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Robert F. Kennedy at a Trump rally in Wisconsin on Nov. 1, 2024. Photographer: Jim Vondruska/Bloomberg via Getty Images
President-elect Trump's decision to tap Robert F. Kennedy Jr as his nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services has elicited mixed reactions from Republicans on Capitol Hill.
Why it matters: Kennedy — an anti-vaccine activist who previously ran against Trump for president before dropping out and endorsing him — will need to lock down support from key senators to get through the conformation process.
- Trump announced his decision in a Trump Social post Thursday, with Kennedy, a former Democrat and environmental lawyer, quickly proving to be a polarizing selection, even within the GOP.
- The reaction showed a divide among Republicans.
What they're saying: Conservatives praised the move:
- "RFK Jr. is an absolutely brilliant pick by President Trump. No one has done more to expose corruption in big pharma and big food. Make America Healthy Again!" Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) tweeted.
- Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said he "could not be happier" with the pick, calling Kennedy a "brilliant, courageous truth-teller whose unwavering commitment to transparency will make America a healthier nation."
- "Bad day for Big Pharma! @RobertKennedyJr," Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) said.
The other side: But some Republicans have questioned Kennedy's qualifications and expressed concerns about his more controversial policy positions.
- "We'd like to see some nominations of people who actually know something about the institution they are expected to lead and reform," one GOP lawmaker told Axios on the condition of anonymity. "RFK knows nothing about how CMS or the FDA really work."
- "Even if we agree with RFK's reforms and some of his ideas on health, he is not qualified to effectively implement those reforms," the lawmaker added.
The big picture: Kennedy is the latest controversial pick Trump has put forward, but some Republicans said they are optimistic he'll get the votes needed to secure the position.
- One lawmaker argued that bipartisan support isn't out of the realm of possibility, pointing to Colorado's Gov. Jared Polis (D) voicing praise for the decision.
