This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIME’s politics newsletter. Sign up to receive similar stories directly to your inbox.
Typically, it’s uncommon for Senators to engage in heated exchanges with the country’s chief health officer. Yet, during a held on Thursday, Senators from both parties openly expressed their frustration with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, whose turbulent justification for his of senior health officials, sudden shifts in vaccination strategies, and even his ongoing tenure represented both a nadir for public health and underscored the fact that, despite legislative objections to his communication style, they were responsible for his appointment and continued role.
RFK Jr. secured a position in President Donald Trump’s Cabinet largely due to his as a vaccine doubter. Republicans in the Senate—with the exception of Kentucky’s Sen. Mitch McConnell, who survived polio himself— nevertheless confirmed his appointment to this influential position. At Thursday’s heated session, the Secretary’s voice rose in evident frustration and anger as legislators questioned him about his decision to dismiss the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and voiced worries regarding restrictions on Covid-19 vaccine availability. Numerous Democrats, moreover, urged his resignation.
However, the core issue is this: even with widespread bipartisan disapproval of Kennedy’s term, his removal appears unlikely. The government faces a looming funding deadline at month’s end, yet neither Democrats nor Republicans in Congress have concrete intentions to link RFK Jr.’s position or national vaccine policies to the appropriation of funds. Many CDC professionals have been marginalized but continue to be out of their roles. Furthermore, Americans seeking a Covid booster find themselves in a difficult situation because Kennedy’s strong aversion currently restricts what insurance plans will cover.
Nevertheless, even after a tense hearing and their clear displeasure with numerous decisions made by RFK Jr., Republican legislators, despite their understanding, will persist in his defense, given Trump’s overarching influence in Washington. Opposing Trump typically leads to political downfall, and no Republican legislator—not even the physician leading the health committee—is prepared to face ostracism.
Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, also a medical doctor, stated, “I would contend that, in essence, we are withholding vaccines from individuals.” However, within hours following the intense hearing, Cassidy reiterated his strong advocacy for awarding the President a Nobel Prize for his efforts regarding vaccines.
Wyoming Republican Senator John Barrasso, another physician, highlighted the inherent government-related risks. “I am a medical professional. Vaccinations are effective. Secretary Kennedy, during your confirmation process, you pledged to maintain the most stringent standards for vaccines. My concern has deepened considerably since then,” the Wyoming Republican remarked.
Yet, when questioned later about RFK Jr.’s continued role, Barrasso referred the matter to the White House. “I have faith in the actions of the President of the United States, and I will not question them,” Barrasso .
North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who had initially been undecided on the confirmation vote earlier this year, appeared uncomfortable with the circumstances.
Tillis, who is not seeking re-election, expressed, “My concern is that we are eroding the CDC’s credibility.” “We risk undermining the U.S. government’s credibility concerning child safety.”
However, no changes are currently anticipated. Senate Majority Leader John Thune evaded inquiries on Thursday regarding his continued trust in RFK Jr. Similarly, Maine’s Sen. Susan Collins, who is considered among the most vulnerable Republicans up for re-election next year, also did so.
Kennedy presented a fragmented array of opinions on Thursday, touching upon subjects ranging from Covid-19 vaccines and antidepressants to hepatitis B. While Senators attempted to steer the conversation toward established scientific consensus, Kennedy resisted such limitations. Discredited research was prominently featured, and the topic of autism appeared pervasive. The fervent, boisterous, and illogical display yielded scant fresh details—and a significant amount of inaccurate information. The abundance of circular reasoning was as conspicuous as it was troubling, given its source: the individual overseeing the world’s most extensive health agency. On one occasion, RFK Jr. simultaneously condemned mRNA technology—the foundation of Covid vaccines—as the “most lethal” mechanism ever, yet asserted that its development warranted a Nobel Prize for Trump.
Minnesota Democrat Senator Tina Smith highlighted these inconsistencies. She inquired, “When, sir, were you being untruthful? Was it when you informed this committee that you were not opposed to vaccines, or when you informed Americans that no vaccine is both safe and effective?”
Kennedy appeared unfazed. “Both statements are accurate,” he responded.
When pressed by New Mexico Democrat Senator Ben Ray Luján, Kennedy displayed clear disdain, stating, “What you are saying is nonsensical.”
Virginia Democrat Senator Mark Warner retorted with equal vehemence: “You hold the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services. How is it possible for you to be so uninformed?”
New Hampshire Democrat Senator Maggie Hassan expressed similar indignation: “Mr. Kennedy, an accusation you make can sometimes be a form of confession.”
However, despite these exchanges, the spectacle amounted to merely that: a display. Kennedy disregarded allegations that he had terminated thousands of long-serving CDC personnel. He shrugged off inquiries regarding why he all members of a vaccine advisory group, reiterating the debunked claim that they possessed financial conflicts of interest. Kennedy appeared perfectly comfortable in an environment where facts were disregarded. His swagger and assertiveness seemed entirely incongruous with the approach Red State legislators are taking as they enter a flu season concurrent with heightened Covid risks.
Among Republicans on Capitol Hill, the prevailing sentiment was that the proceeded as unfavorably as imaginable. However, as indicated by the murmurs heard while Senators moved within the chamber, the unalterable truth remains that Kennedy retains Trump’s trust. This type of display aligns with Trump’s preferences. Their mutual skepticism of scientific principles and disregard for expert knowledge binds them. Kennedy’s open disdain for legislators merely served as an additional benefit.
In a seemingly fitting conclusion to a day filled with hostility, Kennedy retrieved his phone and scrolled through it while Senators concluded the day’s proceedings. When asked if he wished to provide a final statement, Kennedy brusquely refused. “I believe I will show everyone compassion,” Kennedy stated, “and allow us to conclude.”
Understand the significant developments in Washington. .
