Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., questioned Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday in his confirmation hearing for health and human services secretary.
Watch the video in our player above.
Warner touched on President Donald Trump’s recent offer to millions of federal employees that would let them resign and work from home through September.
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The senator said workers should ask themselves: “Has this individual in his business world ever fulfilled his contracts or obligations to any workers in the past?”
Warner asked Kennedy if he’d commit to not firing any federal worker who is focused on food safety. Kennedy did not directly answer. In a later exchange, he said that “I will commit to not firing anybody who’s doing their jobs.” Warner asked if that assessment would come from Kennedy’s opinion or Trump’s agenda. Kennedy replied: “My opinion.”
For years, Kennedy, an environmental lawyer, has spread misinformation and falsehoods about vaccines and their safety, including the heavily debunked claim that they cause autism. Kennedy has also promoted drinking raw milk, which the Food and Drug Administration says can pose a “serious health risk.” His views on these issues and others have prompted concern among health experts about his nomination.
Kennedy, the son of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, ran for president as an independent in 2024 before dropping out of the race and endorsing Trump.