September 4, 2025 — Washington, D.C.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endured nearly three hours of heated interrogation Thursday as members of the Senate Finance Committee challenged him over vaccine policy, leadership shake-ups at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and his controversial record on public health issues.
Sharp Criticism from the Start
The proceedings opened with blunt attacks. Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) warned that Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism threatened to undermine public safety. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) went further, saying he should resign immediately, calling him “a hazard to America’s health.”
On the Republican side, Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a doctor, also pushed back. He charged Kennedy with restricting vaccine distribution despite earlier praise for Operation Warp Speed, accusing him of weakening readiness for future crises.
Leadership Turmoil at the CDC
A major point of contention was Kennedy’s removal of CDC Director Susan Monarez, along with the departure of other senior officials. Kennedy justified the decisions as critical to restoring public trust, arguing that the agency had failed to maintain credibility.
Democrats rejected that rationale. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) said Kennedy’s actions had further destabilized the CDC during a pivotal moment for public health.
Renewed Debate on Vaccines
Kennedy stuck to his long-standing doubts about vaccine safety, even as he conceded that vaccines had prevented “many deaths.” At one point, he claimed mRNA vaccines could be linked to sudden deaths among young people. Medical authorities and fact-checkers quickly countered, stressing that no legitimate research supports such assertions.
Divided but Significant Pushback
Although Democrats consistently condemned Kennedy, Republicans offered a mixed response, with some choosing not to demand his resignation. Nonetheless, the bipartisan frustration highlighted Kennedy’s tenuous role in President Trump’s cabinet.
The session ended without firm conclusions but with promises of further inquiries. As the hearing closed, senators left with the unresolved question of whether Kennedy can continue leading the nation’s health institutions amid eroding confidence from lawmakers and scientists alike.
