kennedy’s Health Views Face Scrutiny as HHS Confirmation Hearings Begin/ Newslooks/ WASAHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces Senate confirmation to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, a new AP-NORC poll reveals that many of his health views are outside the mainstream. While his skepticism of vaccines and fluoride in drinking water is unpopular, his push for processed food reform has strong bipartisan support. The poll highlights the challenges he faces in winning broad approval for his agenda.
RFK Jr.’s Health Policies: Quick Looks
- Vaccine Reevaluation: 40% oppose reviewing vaccine recommendations, while only 30% support it.
- Food Additive Bans: 70% of Americans, across party lines, favor stricter regulations on processed foods.
- Raw Milk Debate: 40% oppose lifting raw milk restrictions; only 20% support the idea.
- Weight Loss Drugs: 50% support Medicare and Medicaid covering obesity medications.
- Fluoride Removal: 40% oppose removing fluoride from drinking water; about 25% support it.
- Abortion Position: Kennedy’s past pro-choice stance may create friction with Republican senators.
kennedy’s Health Views Face Scrutiny as HHS Confirmation Hearings to Begin
Deep Look
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is generating controversy, as his well-documented positions on vaccines, food safety, and public health clash with both scientific consensus and political realities.
An AP-NORC poll sheds light on how Americans view Kennedy’s health policy priorities, revealing strong public opposition to some of his more controversial stances while highlighting areas where his ideas resonate across party lines.
Vaccine Reevaluation: A Hard Sell
Kennedy has long been an outspoken vaccine skeptic, falsely linking vaccines to autism and questioning their safety. Trump, who has also promoted vaccine skepticism, tapped Kennedy for HHS in part due to their shared views.
However, the poll shows that Kennedy’s stance remains unpopular with the public:
- 40% oppose revisiting vaccine recommendations for widely used immunizations.
- 30% support the idea.
- 30% are neutral.
Even among Republicans, only 40% favor reassessing vaccine policies, compared to 20% of Democrats.
Processed Food Reform: A Popular Idea
- 70% of Americans support restrictions on certain food ingredients linked to obesity and diabetes.
- Support is especially high among high-income households (80% for those earning over $100,000).
- Even among lower-income groups, who consume more ultra-processed foods, 50% support the initiative.
This issue could provide Kennedy with a rare opportunity to unite Republicans and Democrats on a major public health initiative.
Raw Milk and Fluoride: Divisive Issues
Kennedy has advocated for lifting restrictions on raw milk sales and eliminating fluoride from drinking water, arguing that these regulations infringe on personal choice.
However, these positions are less popular:
- 40% oppose removing raw milk restrictions, while only 20% support it.
- 40% oppose removing fluoride from drinking water, while 25% support it.
- A third of Americans remain neutral on both issues.
Interestingly, younger Americans are more open to fluoride removal than older generations, with only 20% of those under 30 opposing it, compared to 50% of seniors.
Weight Loss Drugs: Public Support for Coverage
Kennedy has criticized weight loss drugs like Ozempic, suggesting that improving food quality is a better solution for obesity. However, in December, he softened his stance, acknowledging that such drugs “have a place” alongside lifestyle changes.
The poll suggests that Americans support these medications as part of obesity treatment:
- 50% support adults using weight loss drugs for obesity.
- 50% favor Medicare and Medicaid covering these drugs for eligible patients.
Abortion: A Political Tightrope
Kennedy’s past support for abortion rights may be a sticking point for Republican senators, even though he has pledged to follow Trump’s directives on the issue.
- 60% of Americans believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases.
- Among Republicans, 60% say it should be illegal in most or all cases, while 40% say it should be legal.
While Kennedy’s personal stance may align with most voters, his confirmation depends on GOP lawmakers, who may be wary of his record.
Challenges Ahead for Kennedy’s Confirmation
Kennedy’s mix of libertarian-leaning and populist health policies makes his confirmation process unpredictable. While his food safety reforms resonate with many Americans, his vaccine skepticism and fluoride opposition are out of step with public opinion.
Republican senators may also struggle with his abortion stance, while Democrats are unlikely to rally behind a Trump nominee with a history of anti-vaccine advocacy.
The coming weeks will determine whether Kennedy can navigate these ideological divides and secure his role as the nation’s top health official.
Key Takeaways
- Vaccine skepticism is a tough sell, even among Republicans.
- Food reform is Kennedy’s strongest bipartisan issue, with 70% support.
- Raw milk and fluoride policy changes are unpopular.
- Weight loss drugs have moderate public support, including for Medicare coverage.
- Kennedy’s abortion stance may be a political liability during his confirmation.
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