Kennedy Jr. faced skeptical senators Thursday in the second day of his confirmation hearing to lead the department of Health and Human Services, Louisiana's Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy confronted Kennedy about vaccines.

That almost messianic obsession — which arrogantly defies the weight of decades of science supporting the benefits of vaccines — should be enough to sink Kennedy’s nomination. But if they need more, senators should also be troubled by the nominee’s longstanding financial stake in suing the pharmaceutical companies that produce those vaccines.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. faced tough questions over vaccine skepticism and Medicaid reform at his confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Dr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he supports vaccines and vowed to lessen the burden of chronic diseases during fiery questioning from senators who will decide whether to confirm him as President Trump’s health secretary.

“There are so many things about RFK Jr. that would seem to make him a Democratic appointee instead of a Republican one — but so much of that is overshadowed by his anti-vaccine views, which resonate with Republicans after the Covid experience,” said Larry Levitt, executive vice president at the health policy think tank KFF.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is seeking to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, but has faced skepticism and opposition for his views on vaccines and science.