RFK Jr's nomination hits roadblock over financial disclosures: report
Incoming President Donald Trump's nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is still awaiting a date for his confirmation hearings following a delay over his finances.
The Washington Post reported Sunday that the Office of Government Ethics was still looking into Kennedy's financial disclosures, which he "recently amended."
"Senators traditionally wait to schedule confirmation hearings until that process is completed," The Post reported.
The report continued, "The delay has meant that Kennedy will not face the Senate until late January at the earliest. The holdup — and the prospect that Kennedy will be the lone high-profile Trump pick facing the Senate on a given day, rather than jockeying with multiple other nominees for attention — could amplify the spotlight on his record, scrutiny that has increased in recent weeks."
The delay has allowed Senators like Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) to sharpen their cases against Kennedy. Warren shared a letter with The Post that outlined about 175 pointed questions for the controversial environmental lawyer and vocal anti-vaxxer with unfounded views on autism.
Warren wrote, "Given your dangerous views on vaccine safety and public health, including your baseless opposition to vaccines, and your inconsistent statements in important policy areas like reproductive rights access, I have serious concerns regarding your ability to oversee the Department."
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The group Advancing American Freedom, which is backed by former Vice President Mike Pence (R), sent a letter to senators encouraging them to ask Kennedy tough questions to determine whether he's "truly committed to restricting access to abortion medication and pursuing other goals long held by the antiabortion movement."
Kennedy, from the powerful family of Democrats, originally ran for the Democratic Party nomination for president, but switched his party affiliation to independent in 2023. When he dropped out of the race, Kennedy backed Trump who then tapped the outspoken RFK Jr. to head HHS.
Kennedy has said he's on a mission he calls MAHA: Make America Healthy Again.
Other Trump nominees, including Pete Hegseth, Pam Bondi, Marco Rubio, and Scott Bessent testified before Senate committees last week.
Kennedy is one of a handful of Trump nominees who has yet to have a hearing scheduled. Also on the list are director of national intelligence nominee Tulsi Gabbard, and FBI director nominee Kash Patel.