Vice President J.D. Vance Defends RFK Jr. Amid Senate Criticism: Calls for Resignation and White House Support
Vice President J.D. Vance defended Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a Senate Finance Committee hearing where Kennedy faced criticism for his recent actions at the CDC. Democratic senators like Elizabeth Warren, Michael Bennett, and Bernie Sanders questioned Kennedy's stance on vaccines, with some accusing him of dishonesty. Vance expressed his support for Kennedy on social media, criticizing the senators for their approach.
Over 1,000 HHS employees signed an open letter calling for RFK Jr.'s resignation due to his decisions at the CDC, including the dismissal of Dr. Susan Monarez and the appointment of individuals with political biases. The employees urged Kennedy to step down, and if he refused, they called on the President and Congress to appoint a new Secretary of Health and Human Services who prioritizes unbiased scientific research in health policy.
President Donald Trump had not commented on the hearings on his social media platform, Truth Social, by Thursday afternoon. However, Trump has consistently backed Kennedy in the past. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller publicly praised Kennedy for his efforts to enhance public health and address health crises in the country. Miller referred to Kennedy as a valuable asset to the administration.