Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endured intense scrutiny from members of Congress during a hearing on Thursday, facing fierce criticism over his management of public health policies and his controversial associations, including with musician Kid Rock. The hearing, held before the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, centered on the president's proposed budget but quickly turned into a heated debate on Kennedy's stewardship of the nation's lead health agency.
Democrats Target Vaccine Policies and Public Messaging
Democrats on the committee launched a sharp attack on Kennedy's handling of vaccination programs and his promotion of misinformation. Representative Linda Sánchez, a Democrat from California, highlighted Kennedy's direction to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to remove universal vaccine recommendations for children, covering immunizations for flu, COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and rotavirus. "Not surprisingly, we were right to be skeptical of your promise to support the childhood vaccine schedule," Sánchez stated, noting that this policy change coincided with a spike in measles cases across the United States.
Kennedy defended his actions, claiming, "We have done better at preventing measles than any country in the world." However, when pressed by Sánchez about a child's death in Texas that could have been prevented by the measles vaccine, Kennedy conceded, "It's possible. Certainly."
Criticism Over Kid Rock Video and Public Health Messaging
Sánchez also lambasted Kennedy for the CDC's decision to end pro-vaccine messaging while promoting videos of Kennedy "hanging out shirtless in a hot tub with Kid Rock." In February, Kennedy released a video featuring himself with Kid Rock, engaging in activities encouraged by the "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, such as drinking whole milk. Sánchez questioned the secretary's priorities, asking, "Somehow you think that's a better public health message than informing the public about the benefits of vaccines. Really?"
Controversial Remarks on Black Children and Autism
In a particularly fiery exchange, Representative Terri Sewell, a Democrat from Alabama, confronted Kennedy over his past statements regarding Black children and medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Kennedy had previously suggested on the 19Keys internet show in 2024 that Black children on medications like Adderall should be "re-parented" in communities without cell phones or screens.
During the hearing, Kennedy denied making such remarks, saying, "I don't even know what that phrase means. I’m not going to answer something that I didn't say." However, Sewell denounced the comments as deeply offensive, emphasizing, "For you to suggest that black families are not capable of raising their own children is deeply offensive. Sir, you are the Secretary of Health and Human Services for the world's most powerful country, and your words matter."
Experts note there is little evidence to support Kennedy's claims about psychiatric medication use among Black children, with many Black individuals not diagnosed with ADHD until later in life.
Republican Criticism Over Autism Claims
Kennedy also faced criticism from across the aisle, with Representative Blake Moore, a Republican from Utah and father of an autistic son, expressing alarm over Kennedy's and President Donald Trump's comments linking acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol) to autism. Moore acknowledged Kennedy's focus on autism but pointed out that studies show no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. "We don't even know she took Tylenol during her pregnancy, but that was a hurtful moment for her," Moore said, urging the administration to be more cautious in its messaging.
Kennedy has promoted the idea of an "autism epidemic" in the United States, despite CDC research indicating that increased rates over the past three decades are due to improved screening and expanded diagnostic criteria.
Upcoming Senate Testimony
Next week, Kennedy is scheduled to testify before the Senate, where he will face Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana. Cassidy, a gastroenterologist, had previously supported Kennedy's confirmation, only for President Trump to endorse Cassidy's primary challenger, Representative Julia Letlow. This upcoming hearing is expected to further probe Kennedy's policies and public health approach.
The congressional grilling underscores the deep divisions and concerns over Kennedy's leadership at the Health and Human Services Department, with lawmakers from both parties challenging his commitment to evidence-based public health practices.
