Hearing Clash Between Vice President and Kennedy
During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced sharp criticism. “It’s full of S-T and everyone knows it,” he asserted in response to attacks from the senators.
Sen. Ron Wyden challenged Kennedy, accusing him of making reckless decisions that jeopardize children and expressing doubt that Kennedy regrets his “fundamentally cruel” agenda. In a rebuttal, Kennedy pointed out that while he has been in office, chronic disease rates have skyrocketed to 76%.
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in on the heated exchange, noting on social media that the criticisms hurled towards Kennedy seemed disingenuous. “When I saw all the senators trying to lecture and trap Bobby Kennedy today, it struck me: they support just about everything that can harm children, while lining the pockets of big pharma,” Vance remarked.
Kennedy reposted Vance’s comments, thanking him for his support and implying that the Vice President is addressing the real issues at hand.
In the aftermath of the tense hearing, some officials from the White House expressed their backing for Kennedy. Press Officer Karoline Leavitt tweeted, “Secretary @robertkennedyjr is taking flak because he is above his target,” emphasizing that his administration is focused on tackling the root causes of chronic illness and promoting transparency.
Wyden accused Kennedy of fostering chaos and corruption, arguing that his actions have driven up healthcare costs and distorted the work of federal health agencies. He claimed Kennedy threatens doctors who deviate from his guidelines, painting him as a promoter of conspiracy theories.
In defense of his department, Kennedy claimed they are undertaking extensive initiatives, from addressing contamination in food and water to focusing on drug prices and other health-related issues. He argued that his administration is the most active HHS has ever seen.
Kennedy highlighted that they are making strides in areas like cell phone use in schools, addressing nutrition education deficits, and the approval of new medications. Meanwhile, the committee chairs did not immediately respond to queries for comments.
