Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services secretary, spent much of his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday downplaying his role in the anti-vaccine movement.
But Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) was unconvinced.
He demanded Kennedy address some of the merchandise sold by Children’s Health Defense, the anti-vaccine organization Kennedy started.
“On their website, they are selling what’s called onesies ― these little things, clothing for babies,” Sanders said. “One of them is titled, ‘Unvaxxed, Unafraid.’”
Another onesie sold by the organization reads, “No Vax, No Problem.”
“Now you’re coming before this committee, and you say you’re pro-vaccine, just want to ask some questions, and yet your organization is making money selling a child’s product to parents for 26 bucks which casts fundamental doubt on the usefulness of vaccines,” Sanders said to Kennedy.
The senator pressed Kennedy to take the onesies off the market if he really isn’t anti-vaccine.
Kennedy replied that he’s resigned from the organization and has no power over its decisions now. Sanders quickly replied that he only left a few months ago and certainly has some influence.
“Are you supportive of these onesies?” Sanders demanded Kennedy answer.
“I’m supportive of vaccines,” Kennedy dodged.
“Are you supportive of this clothing, which is militantly anti-vaccine?” Sanders asked again.
Kennedy repeated, “I am supportive of vaccines.”
Few medical experts would describe Kennedy as supportive of vaccines. For years, he has promoted the scientifically discredited theory that childhood vaccines cause autism and has shared dangerously misleading information about the ingredients in vaccines.
He’s also been working with a lawyer who has petitioned the federal government to revoke its approval of the lifesaving polio vaccine for children, and is reportedly considering offering him a top role in the HHS.