RFK Jr. says he plans to also meet with Dems in bid to get confirmed as Trump HHS head

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed to Fox News Digital that he plans to engage with Senate Democrats as well as Republicans in his effort to secure confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President-elect Trump’s administration.

When asked whether he would meet with Senate Democrats, Kennedy, a former Democrat turned independent, affirmed, “Oh yeah.” However, he did not specify which Democratic senators he plans to meet. “I don’t know,” he told reporters.

Kennedy began his Capitol Hill meetings on Monday, primarily with Republican lawmakers. A list of senators he was scheduled to meet early in the week notably excluded Democrats.

Trump announced Kennedy’s nomination for the HHS role last month, following Kennedy’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and his subsequent endorsement of Trump.

Kennedy’s confirmation faces potential hurdles on issues including vaccines, agriculture, and abortion.

A vocal critic of vaccines, Kennedy has raised concerns among senators from both parties. His longstanding support for abortion rights has also drawn scrutiny from some Republicans, given HHS's role in regulating policies related to abortion providers.

Additionally, Kennedy’s criticism of the food and agriculture industries has garnered mixed reactions. While some Democrats view his stance favorably, Republican senators from agricultural states have expressed reservations about policies they fear could burden farmers and ranchers.

It remains uncertain whether Kennedy’s support in the Senate will come entirely from Republicans or if he will need backing from Democrats to secure confirmation.