WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the head of the Department of Health and Human Services has sparked immediate backlash, especially due to Kennedy’s long-standing reputation for promoting vaccine misinformation and conspiracy theories.

As Kennedy seeks Senate confirmation, reminiscent of his family’s political legacy, he faces questions from lawmakers about his views on abortion, his criticism of large-scale farming, and more.

This week, Kennedy is engaged in discussions with several senators who play a crucial role in evaluating his qualifications for the position. Many senators told YSL News they prefer to have these discussions before forming any conclusions about the former Democratic presidential candidate who has aligned himself with Trump.

It remains uncertain if the criticisms directed at Kennedy will significantly hinder his nomination, as most Republican senators are keen on endorsing Trump’s picks. However, the diverse concerns raised could jeopardize his nomination if he cannot allay the fears of enough senators.

While several of Trump’s Cabinet selections have faced scrutiny – including controversial defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth and potential intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard – Kennedy’s nomination has taken a more contentious turn, particularly after reports surfaced that one of his close associates criticized the widely accepted polio vaccine.

Aaron Siri, Kennedy’s advisor orchestrating the selection of health officials for the upcoming Trump administration, requested the FDA to revoke or restrict approval of the polio vaccine in 2022. Should he become HHS secretary, Kennedy will oversee the FDA among other agencies.

Kennedy has questioned vaccine efficacy for many years, promoting debunked theories linking vaccines to autism. Trump, who was previously skeptical of vaccines during his first term, has recently stated that he does not oppose vaccines while defending Kennedy.

“Vaccines are remarkable, but maybe not all of them are effective, and we need to find out if that’s the case,” Trump explained to NBC earlier this month. He has since endorsed polio vaccinations.

Some Republican senators are embracing this ambiguity. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., claimed there is an “epidemic” of autism in the U.S., attributing the increase to better diagnosis methods. “He has the right to question vaccines,” Mullin asserted.

Conversely, other GOP senators express concerns about Kennedy’s views on vaccines and are planning to address the issue during their meetings with him.

“We need to engage in these discussions. I believe vaccines save lives,” stated Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, referencing the significant Iditarod dog sled race in her state, which recalls the 1925 effort to deliver a Diphtheria vaccine to save lives.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who battled polio as a child, has issued a stern warning, advising Trump’s nominees to avoid casting any doubt on the polio vaccine.

“Attempts to undermine trust in established cures are not only misinformed — they can be dangerous,” McConnell remarked. “Those seeking Senate approval for administration roles should avoid even the slightest appearance of endorsing such claims.”

Agriculture and abortion raise additional concerns

Kennedy’s positions on issues go beyond vaccines and include calls for limits on pesticides and food dyes, which have caught the attention of senators from agricultural states, while his more relaxed stance on abortion is likely to be scrutinized by conservative lawmakers.

Kennedy has expressed that abortion should remain legal until a fetus can survive outside the womb and supports upholding Roe v. Wade. This viewpoint clashes with many Republicans who advocate for stricter abortion laws, including Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla.

“I plan to discuss life-related topics with him,” Lankford remarked. “Clearly, the previous Trump administration had a firm stance on life issues, and they made that clear through HHS policies.”

During Trump’s first administration, Before the Roe v. Wade decision was reversed, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) took steps to limit abortions, one of which involved reinstating and extending a policy that prohibits foreign non-governmental organizations from using U.S. funding to “perform or actively promote abortion.”

Since then, Trump has indicated that he believes individual states should determine their own abortion regulations and promised not to endorse a national abortion ban.

Mullin mentioned that Kennedy committed to supporting Trump’s abortion policies during a meeting with him on Monday. Other senators believe Trump’s position carries more weight than Kennedy’s.

“These Cabinet roles are not about personal opinions,” stated Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. “The role is to support a principle, and I expect that he will follow the policies of the principal he serves.”

Kennedy has also voiced concerns about the use of seed oils, pesticides, and other practices in the food and agriculture sectors.

This raises concerns among Republicans from agricultural-heavy states.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., whose state relies on agriculture for billions in revenue annually, stated he will need specific guarantees from Kennedy to support his nomination.

“Our farmers and ranchers excel at what they do. They need access to modern farming methods,” Hoeven explained. “This encompasses many elements, including advanced equipment, fertilizers, and pesticides. We need to address this matter.”

What is the status of Kennedy’s confirmation?

Kennedy transitioned from being a critic of Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign to fully endorsing him in the months leading up to the election.

In return for his support, Trump has made Kennedy a member of his transition team and a likely candidate for the top health position in his second term.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is related to three former Democratic senators: his father, the late Robert F. Kennedy, was a U.S. Attorney General and represented New York in the Senate until his assassination in 1968 during his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. His uncles include former President John F. Kennedy, who also served as a Massachusetts senator until his assassination in 1963, and former Sen. Ted Kennedy, who served from 1962 until his death in 2009.

Despite these prominent family ties, Democrats have expressed worries about Kennedy’s nomination due to his past anti-vaccine statements. In 2021, Instagram banned Kennedy’s account for “repeatedly sharing disproved claims” regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, a spokesperson reported at the time.

“I have concerns about his longstanding refusal to acknowledge the effectiveness of vaccines,” Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., told YSL News last month. “That’s a significant concern for me, although I will approach the confirmation process with an open mind.”

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., also expressed worries but noted that there is a shared perspective on food reform between him and Trump’s nominee.

However, some Republicans have expressed doubt as well, with many asserting their support for vaccinations.

“If we want to ensure he’s being treated fairly and uncover the motivations behind his stance, I need to understand what drove him to that viewpoint,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.

Tillis, whose kids are vaccinated against polio, shared with YSL News that he hopes Kennedy’s views are “based on sound science.”

Next year, Republicans will hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. This means Kennedy can only afford to lose three Republican votes if all Democrats oppose him.