Kennedy says he’s ‘all for’ polio vaccine as GOP senators raise questions about his views

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is attempting to ease concerns regarding his stance on vaccines as he engages with GOP senators who will decide whether to confirm him as President Donald Trump’s pick for the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). On Monday, Kennedy reassured reporters on Capitol Hill, stating that he is “all for” the polio vaccine. This comment came just hours after Trump reiterated that Americans would not lose access to the polio vaccine, which has been in use since 1955.

Despite Kennedy’s remarks, several Republican senators have expressed the need to further scrutinize his views on vaccines before deciding whether to support his confirmation. Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a key centrist Republican, noted that Kennedy’s support for the polio vaccine raised questions about his broader stance on vaccines. “I haven’t heard that. But then I guess it begs the question: is it just that one vaccine or kind of where is it coming from more broadly?” she said, emphasizing the importance of such discussions. Murkowski added, “Vaccines save lives,” signaling that her support may hinge on Kennedy’s clarification.

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina also expressed interest in hearing Kennedy’s full explanation on the matter. Tillis, who serves on the Senate Health Committee, remarked, “If they are as reported, of course,” referring to concerns about Kennedy’s past views on vaccines. “Vaccines are probably one of the key factors behind our life expectancies and eliminating scourges that killed millions of people before,” he added.

Trump and Kennedy both emphasized on Monday that the incoming administration would not target the polio vaccine. However, concerns were raised after it was reported that a lawyer linked to Kennedy had petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revoke approval of the polio vaccine. If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee the FDA and could potentially intervene in the petition review process.

Mitch McConnell, the outgoing Senate Minority Leader and a polio survivor, sent a letter warning that anyone seeking confirmation for the incoming administration should avoid associating with efforts to revoke the polio vaccine’s approval. Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune echoed this sentiment, signaling that Kennedy will be required to clarify his position on vaccines. “I expect that’s one that I and many other of my colleagues will probably raise with him,” Thune stated.

Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who met with Kennedy, defended him, stating that both of them value transparency in vaccine research. “We need to know exactly, with all vaccines, what has been the research, and do they work? And what’s your risk?” Scott said in a CNN interview. However, Kennedy declined to comment on whether he still believes in a link between vaccines and autism, a controversial stance he has held in the past. During a meeting with Sen. Markwayne Mullin, Kennedy indicated that he plans to “question” the science behind vaccines, though Mullin clarified that Kennedy did not specifically link autism to vaccines during their discussion.

As a presidential candidate, Kennedy was cautious about addressing vaccine-related issues. In a July 2023 Fox News interview, he stated, “I do believe that autism does come from vaccines,” though he suggested that many misconceptions exist regarding his views on vaccines.

Kennedy’s controversial history with vaccines, combined with his past support for abortion rights, has made him a polarizing figure. In addition to his outspoken views on vaccines, Kennedy is known for his anti-pharmaceutical stance and advocacy against the use of pesticides and processed foods. These positions have garnered support from some liberal circles, though they may complicate his appeal among Republicans, especially on issues like abortion. Kennedy has told GOP senators that, if confirmed, he would follow the president’s lead on policy, particularly on issues like abortion, which Trump believes should be left to individual states.

The confirmation process for Kennedy could face significant hurdles in the GOP-controlled Senate. With only three Republican votes to spare if all Democrats oppose him, Kennedy’s ability to bridge divides will be tested. Some Democrats, such as New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, have expressed interest in Kennedy’s positions on food safety and environmental issues, but she remains cautious, particularly on the issue of vaccines. “I just want to make sure there’s going to be no reduction in access to vaccines for school-age children,” she said.

Despite the controversy surrounding Kennedy’s vaccine views, Trump defended his pick, calling Kennedy “a very rational guy.” Trump also acknowledged the significance of the polio vaccine, remembering people he knew who had been affected by the disease. He praised Jonas Salk, the developer of the polio vaccine, for his contributions.

As Kennedy’s confirmation process moves forward, the debate about his vaccine stance and his broader policy positions will continue to be a key point of discussion for lawmakers across the political spectrum.

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