Mike Pence Calls on Republicans to Block Trump Nominee

 

Former Vice President Mike Pence is calling on Senate Republicans to oppose the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). President-elect Donald Trump announced Kennedy’s nomination on Thursday, sparking widespread debate due to Kennedy’s controversial views on public health and vaccines. Kennedy, a former 2024 presidential candidate who endorsed Trump, has faced criticism for promoting discredited claims linking childhood vaccines to autism.

In a statement released through his Advancing American Freedom PAC, Pence expressed concerns about Kennedy’s alignment with pro-life values, a cornerstone of the Trump-Pence administration’s platform. "The Trump-Pence administration was unapologetically pro-life throughout our four years in office," Pence stated. "The nomination of RFK Jr. marks an abrupt departure from this record and should alarm millions of pro-life Americans who have long supported the Republican Party."

Trump’s stance on abortion has shifted during his 2024 presidential campaign. While he was instrumental in the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn *Roe v. Wade*, ending federal abortion protections, Trump resisted calls for a federal abortion ban, arguing that such decisions should remain at the state level. In contrast, Kennedy has consistently supported abortion rights, emphasizing "a woman’s right to choose" and advocating for unrestricted access to abortion until fetal viability. His campaign platform included plans to codify *Roe v. Wade* into federal law if the courts did not overturn the *Dobbs* decision.

Pence criticized Kennedy’s record, stating, "RFK Jr. has historically supported abortion on demand, even during late stages of pregnancy, and has called for legislation to reverse *Dobbs*. Confirming him as HHS secretary would make him the most pro-abortion Republican appointee in modern history."

Pence concluded by urging Senate Republicans to reject Kennedy’s nomination, emphasizing the need for a leader committed to "the sanctity of life" at HHS. 

The controversy surrounding Trump’s cabinet picks extends beyond Kennedy. Notable nominations, such as Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz for attorney general and former Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, have also faced scrutiny. Although Republicans gained a Senate majority in the recent election, resistance from within the party could jeopardize confirmations. 

Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a staunch Trump ally, warned Senate Republicans against obstructing the nominations. "If they block these appointments, they’ll face Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and his powerful new PAC—not to mention the American people," Greene told CNN.