Kennedy Faces Challenges As Senators Weigh HHS Nomination

Republican lawmakers are facing pressure as they prepare to vote on President Donald Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Concerns are mounting over corporate influence and internal GOP divisions that could derail his confirmation.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), a strong supporter of Kennedy and advocate for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, has accused powerful corporations of attempting to sway senators against Kennedy’s nomination. According to Luna, companies profiting from chronic health issues are working behind the scenes to protect their financial interests.
Big Pharma is now trying to stop RFK Jr. and MAHA from inside both parties.
Mike Pence just partnered with Leonard Leo’s PR firm, CRC Advisors, to block RFK’s Senate confirmation.
CRC represented Pharma behemoth Eli Lilly in 2020 and worked with the Koch network’s Americans for… https://t.co/VHvdDDD8HN pic.twitter.com/bEJ08sdn49
— Holden Culotta (@Holden_Culotta) January 26, 2025
Kennedy is set to testify before two key Senate committees next week. The Senate Finance Committee will conduct the first hearing on Wednesday, followed by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on Thursday. Only the finance committee will vote on whether to move his nomination to the full Senate for consideration.
‘THE DEEP STATE IS REAL:’ White House Advisor Reveals How Bureaucracy Protects “Its Own Interests,” Predicts Bureaucracy Will ‘Crush’ RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary; "If I Was Given an Order… I Would Either Try to Block It or Resign”
“RFK Jr. is a very bad pick for HHS… it’s… pic.twitter.com/IsPGb8lljd
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) January 23, 2025
While some Republican senators remain undecided, Luna warned that lawmakers opposing Kennedy may face backlash from Trump supporters who prioritize healthier food options and stricter regulations on harmful additives. She believes the opposition stems from a desire to maintain the status quo in the food and agriculture industries.
BIG PHARMA activated to block RFK. Call your senators! https://t.co/6OZ2zKHcH5
— IndependentMind (@Independent_Mnd) January 26, 2025
GOP Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Todd Young of Indiana and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have yet to publicly state their positions on Kennedy’s nomination. Cassidy, who has criticized Kennedy’s views on vaccines, has acknowledged his work on addressing processed foods but remains hesitant. Young’s staff described his meeting with Kennedy as productive, while Tillis has indicated he will back Trump’s nominee if advanced out of committee.
Want to know how much CDC, FDA & Pharma want to continue ruining your health? Watch how many tricks they pull blocking RFK Jr. https://t.co/EX2ixrf8M6
— Rhonda🇺🇸 – Part of Silent Majority (@rhondawfleming1) January 26, 2025
Republican senators known for their independent voting records, including Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, could play a decisive role in Kennedy’s confirmation. If just a few GOP members join Democrats in opposition, Kennedy’s nomination could face defeat.
In addition to vaccine-related concerns, Kennedy’s past positions on agricultural policies and abortion have drawn criticism from some Republicans. His previous statements on genetically modified foods and farming practices have sparked opposition from those within the agriculture sector.
The executive order we need! 🙏😂 #MAHA pic.twitter.com/RAge0WFTNx
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) January 26, 2025
Luna is continuing to push for stricter regulations on food additives, hoping Kennedy’s leadership at HHS could advance policies aimed at improving public health. The Senate Finance Committee is expected to vote on Kennedy’s nomination the week after his hearings.