A heated clash between Bernie Sanders and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over Kennedy Jr.’s record of anti-vaccination rhetoric took an unexpected turn.
During Sanders’ allotted time to question President Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services at his confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 29, the senator, 83, zeroed in on Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine nonprofit organization for which Kennedy Jr., 71, is named as a “founder” and “former chairman of the board.”
Though Kennedy Jr. — who has long been a vocal opponent of vaccinations — spent much of the hearing attempting to distance himself from his earlier claims, Sanders argued that his connection to the organization demonstrated the opposite belief.
“As I understand it, on their website, they are selling what’s called onesies. These are little things — clothing for babies,” said the senator, pointing to a large display behind him that pictured two items available for purchase in the Children’s Health Defense’s online store.
One of the onesies, which retails for $25.99, read, “Unvaxxed Unafraid,” and the other featured the words, “No Vax No Problem.”
“Now you’re coming before this committee and you say you’re pro-vaccine?” questioned Sanders.
Bernie Sanders.
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In his response, Kennedy Jr. argued that has “no power over that organization” — adding that he had previously resigned from the board. (A blog post by the organization notes that Kennedy Jr. stepped down as chairman in December “in anticipation” of his confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services, but the organization’s website still features a bio of Kennedy Jr. and live-streamed his confirmation hearing.)
“You certainly have power. Are you supportive of this?” retorted Sanders. “Are you supportive of these onesies?”
“I’m supportive of vaccines,” said Kennedy Jr. — breaking from his long-held political ideology.
Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation to the Cabinet is seen as one of the most precarious among Trump’s nominees, given his history of critiquing the very agencies he would be tapped to lead as well as his previous statements supporting abortion rights.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
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His confirmation may also be jeopardized by a scathing letter Caroline Kennedy sent to senators on Tuesday morning, calling her cousin a “predator” and “unqualified” for the position and urging them not to confirm his nomination. Last year, four of Kennedy Jr.’s siblings similarly denounced the lawyer-turned-politician not long after he launched his failed bid for the presidency.
Family criticism aside, Kennedy Jr. has spent much of the last year embroiled in scandal: He’s dodged questions about an alleged relationship he had with a journalist who profiled him, and he’s faced allegations of sexual assault.
