He opposes Trump’s pick.
Mike Pence has urged Senate Republicans to oppose President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), expressing concerns about Kennedy’s support for abortion rights. Through his organization, Advancing American Freedom, Pence argued that Kennedy’s stance on abortion fundamentally clashes with the pro-life policies championed by the Trump-Pence administration. Specifically, Pence pointed to Kennedy’s longstanding advocacy for abortion access, including the right to terminate pregnancies up until birth, as evidence that he is not the right choice to lead an agency responsible for shaping policies that affect the sanctity of life.
Pence’s opposition was particularly driven by Kennedy’s vocal support for overturning the Dobbs decision, which ended federal protections for abortion, and his push to reinstate the protections of Roe v. Wade. Pence warned that appointing Kennedy would represent a sharp departure from the pro-life direction of the previous administration, urging Senate Republicans to reject the nomination in order to preserve the party’s commitment to protecting the unborn.
Though Kennedy’s views on abortion have shifted over the years, his previous statements advocating for unrestricted abortion rights have made him a divisive figure among pro-life groups. Conservative Christian leaders, such as Daniel Darling and Lila Rose, have voiced strong concerns over Kennedy’s nomination, fearing that his leadership at HHS could influence policies that undermine pro-life efforts. They argue that Kennedy could implement regulations that would directly challenge conservative values on abortion.
In addition to his abortion views, Kennedy has gained attention for his outspoken criticism of corruption in the health sector, particularly in his book The Real Anthony Fauci, which targets the influence of big pharmaceutical companies. His public health positions, especially his anti-establishment rhetoric, have sparked both support and controversy. Despite the backlash from Pence and other conservative figures, Trump has defended Kennedy’s nomination, portraying him as a strong advocate against the corruption and misinformation in the healthcare industry.
Kennedy’s nomination highlights the deepening divisions within the Republican Party on issues like abortion and healthcare, as well as Trump’s broader strategy to align with figures who challenge the political establishment, even when their views may conflict with traditional party ideologies on certain social issues.
