Senator Cassidy Confronts HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Over Trump Nobel, Vaccine Policies

Senator Bill Cassidy confronted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a Senate Finance Committee hearing about his contradictory positions on COVID-19 vaccines and his support for awarding President Donald Trump a Nobel Prize for Operation Warp Speed. Kennedy agreed that Trump deserved the Nobel Prize for his role in the rapid development and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines but has also taken actions that restrict access to those vaccines, including cutting over $500 million in mRNA vaccine research funding. Cassidy criticized Kennedy for filing lawsuits to limit vaccine access and for overhauling the CDC's vaccine advisory panel by replacing members with individuals who have testified against vaccine manufacturers, raising concerns about conflicts of interest. Kennedy defended his replacements by stating that he removed members with undisclosed pharmaceutical ties and supported voluntary vaccination without mandates. The hearing highlighted tension over Kennedy's vaccine policies amidst resignations following the firing of the CDC Director and criticism from medical organizations. Overall, the exchange underscored significant disagreements over vaccine science and public health policy under Kennedy's leadership.