Thu Jan 30 17:33:39 IST 2025: ## Kennedy Jr. Denies Past Controversial Statements During Tense HHS Hearing

**Washington D.C.** – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearing for US Health and Human Services Secretary turned contentious Wednesday as senators grilled him on a long history of controversial statements regarding vaccines, abortion, school shootings, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Kennedy repeatedly denied or downplayed past comments, even when directly confronted with quotes from podcasts, interviews, and speeches.

Senators on the Senate Finance Committee presented Kennedy with evidence of his past assertions, including claims that vaccines are unsafe and cause autism (despite overwhelming scientific consensus to the contrary), that the CDC is comparable to Nazi death camps, and that antidepressants contribute to school shootings. Kennedy consistently responded that his words were mischaracterized or taken out of context. He also claimed that he never made certain statements, despite recordings and transcripts proving otherwise.

His shifting stance on abortion was another point of contention. Senators highlighted conflicting statements made over the past year and a half, ranging from pro-choice declarations to support for a federal abortion ban. Kennedy ultimately stated that he believes states should control abortion policy, aligning with President Trump’s position.

Kennedy’s assertion that exposure to pesticides may contribute to gender dysphoria also drew criticism, with senators pointing out the lack of scientific evidence supporting this claim. Similarly, Kennedy’s comments suggesting COVID-19 was ethnically targeted were refuted, with senators highlighting the falsehood of this claim.

Throughout the hearing, Kennedy maintained he is “pro-safety,” not anti-vaccine, and attempted to frame his past comments as efforts to encourage further research and discussion. However, his repeated denials and apparent inconsistencies left many senators unconvinced, raising serious doubts about his suitability for the position. The hearing concluded without a clear indication of whether Kennedy will be confirmed.

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