President Donald Trump’s pick for US health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, was questioned by senators at his first confirmation hearing on Wednesday.
The post of health secretary is a key federal government position that oversees public health issues, including medical research, food safety and public welfare programmes.
Kennedy, who had been a vocal vaccine sceptic, was asked to explain his past comments on the Covid-19 vaccine and other immunisations. He also was asked about his views on abortion, and his opinions on the US food industry.
His hearing was interrupted by shouting protesters, but he also received loud applause when he promised he would make America healthy again, a slogan used by the new administration.
Throughout the hearing, senators brought up Kennedy’s past comments about vaccination. A group he ran for eight years, Children’s Health Defense, repeatedly cast doubt on the safety and efficacy of childhood vaccinations, and continues to push the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism.
Kennedy insisted during the hearing that he was not anti-vaccine, and that he merely supports more stringent studies and safety tests for injections.
He was asked about his stance on abortion, and said that every abortion is a tragedy. He also expressed support for baby clothes bearing anti-vaccine slogans, which some are sold by Children’s Health Defense.
Some Republicans, however, focused their questions on Kennedy’s advocacy for eradicating chronic disease in children and his criticism of the US food industry.
As proceedings ended, Republican Senator and Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo gave Kennedy his stamp of approval. “I think you have come through well, and deserve to be confirmed,” he told Kennedy.
Kennedy faces a second confirmation hearing on Thursday before the health, education, labour and pensions committee, where he will face more questions from senators. The committees will then vote on his nomination before it can pass to the whole Senate for consideration.
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