RFK Jr. Grilled in Fiery Senate Hearing Over Vaccine Policy and CDC Shake-Up

RFK Jr. Grilled in Fiery Senate Hearing Over Vaccine Policy and CDC Shake-Up

Washington, D.C. (September 4, 2025) - Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense bipartisan criticism today during a contentious three-hour Senate Finance Committee hearing over sweeping changes to health care policy, especially surrounding vaccination access and upheaval at the CDC.

Unprecedented Criticism from Both Parties

Kennedy’s leadership at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) came under fire from both Republicans and Democrats:

• Sen. Ron Wyden (D–OR) opened with sharp rebuke: accusing Kennedy of undermining public trust, having "elevated conspiracy theorists, crackpots and grifters," and questioned whether he should remain in office.WLUKThe Washington Post

• Other Democrats like Sen. Raphael Warnock labeled Kennedy a “hazard to the health of the American people,” calling for his resignation amid serious concerns about his judgment.The TimesThe Washington Post

• Republican senators such as Dr. Bill Cassidy, John Barrasso, and Thom Tillis expressed alarm over Kennedy’s moves—particularly vaccine access restrictions, his overhaul of the CDC’s advisory panel, and the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez.Financial TimesAP NewsThe Washington PostThe Wall Street Journal

Key Flashpoints of the Hearing

1. CDC Leadership Shake-Up

Kennedy defended his abrupt firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez, who had been in the role less than a month, and the dismissal of several senior officials. He said the CDC’s missteps during COVID-19 necessitated radical action. Monarez, meanwhile, alleged she was forced out for resisting directives to preapprove vaccine panel recommendations. Kennedy denied these claims, stating they were false.The Washington PostThe GuardianFinancial TimesAP NewsNature

2. Vaccine Access and Advisory Panel Accusations

Senators raised alarm over Kennedy’s decision to curtail COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women and to reconstitute the CDC’s Vaccine Advisory Committee with individuals known for vaccine skepticism. They argued that such moves jeopardize public health gains and erode confidence.AP NewsThe TimesThe Washington PostFinancial TimesThe Wall Street JournalNature

3. Erosion of Trust and Scientific Standards

Wyden and others argued that Kennedy's actions have fueled mistrust in institutions. Meanwhile, Kennedy continued to question vaccine data accuracy and labeled the CDC among the most corrupt agencies in government.NatureFinancial TimesThe Washington Post

4. Broader Health Policy Agenda

Kennedy emphasized his “Make America Healthy Again” approach, focusing on root causes of chronic disease and corruption in the pharmaceutical industries. Supporters saw him taking bold steps to reshape health policy. However, critics warned that these efforts come at the expense of science-based vaccination programs essential to public health.Financial TimesWLUKThe Wall Street Journal

Some senators also questioned his statements about Medicaid, with Democrats pointing to cuts contradicted by budget data.The Wall Street Journal

Fallout and Pushback

• Calls for Resignation: Growing bipartisan sentiment now demands that President Trump reconsider Kennedy's position. Several senators demanded his resignation on account of health risks to the public and cessation of established science-based practices.The Washington PostThe TimesAP News

• Staff and Institutional Pushback: Over a thousand current and former HHS staffers wrote letters urging Kennedy’s removal, citing widespread concern over his actions.CBS NewsThe Times

The Senate hearing laid bare the deep divisions over public health under Kennedy’s watch. His sweeping changes to the CDC and vaccine policy, hailed by supporters as necessary reforms, drew forceful condemnation from both sides of the aisle. The result: mounting pressure for his resignation and persistent questions about the future of U.S. health governance.