Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has expressed strong disapproval of President-elect Trump’s decision to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Murray criticized Kennedy as a “fringe conspiracy theorist” with a track record of promoting anti-vaccine rhetoric.
In her statement on Friday, Murray underscored Kennedy’s controversial views as a serious threat to public health and other critical areas. She warned that his leadership could harm progress in health care access, reproductive rights, research, and innovation, stating that these issues have life-or-death consequences for millions.
Senator Patty Murray slams RFK Jr.’s nomination to lead HHS
Murray pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a stark reminder of the importance of competent leadership in public health. The senator labeled Kennedy’s potential confirmation as HHS Secretary a disaster and urged Republican colleagues in the Senate to firmly reject his nomination. She emphasized the high stakes of such an appointment, given the department’s oversight of 13 agencies and a nearly $2 billion budget.
Trump’s announcement has drawn backlash from Democrats and public health experts alike. Kennedy, who unsuccessfully ran an independent campaign against President Biden before endorsing Trump, pledged to serve as an honest public servant if confirmed. The president-elect lauded Kennedy’s nomination, claiming it would combat misinformation from industries and restore trust in public health agencies.
Trump’s controversial choices extend beyond Kennedy. His selection of Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general and appointments of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to a new efficiency department have also sparked bipartisan concerns. These decisions are expected to challenge Senate Republicans in the months ahead.
