Senators Criticize HHS Secretary RFK Jr. During Contentious Hearing

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has faced intense bipartisan criticism following a contentious Senate Finance Committee hearing where he was grilled over his vaccine policies, misinformation, and leadership style. Senators, including Raphael Warnock and Elizabeth Warren, challenged Kennedy's dismissal of scientific consensus, firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez, and replacement of vaccine advisory board members with skeptics, labeling his actions a threat to public health. Warnock called Kennedy's beliefs extremist and urged him to resign or be fired by President Trump, citing the undermining of the CDC and public health safety. Kennedy's claims, such as linking vaccines to autism in Black boys, were debunked and condemned by senators and experts. Comedian Bill Maher and Kennedy's own family members, including his nephew Joe Kennedy III and sister Kerry Kennedy, also publicly called for his resignation due to his erratic behavior and harmful public health advice. The disputes highlighted deep tensions over public health policy and scientific integrity amid ongoing challenges in managing the nation's health agencies.