An organization founded by Mike Pence is pressuring Republican senators to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services due to his past support for abortion. Pence’s group argues that the HHS Secretary must be fully committed to protecting the unborn, a stance Kennedy has not fully embraced.
Kennedy, who ran for president as a Democrat, has faced criticism for his changing views on abortion, though many GOP senators have expressed support for him. Kennedy has reassured Republicans that he will follow anti-abortion policies from the Trump administration.
Vice President JD Vance has warned Republican senators not to block Trump’s nominees over policy disagreements, stressing that the president has the right to choose his Cabinet. Vance believes all of Trump’s controversial picks, including Kennedy, will ultimately be confirmed.
Vance also highlighted Trump’s diverse 2024 coalition and urged Republicans to support the broader coalition to maintain momentum for the administration’s first year.