...
By Andrew Stanton
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Americans were split on support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ahead of his confirmation hearing to become President Donald Trump's secretary of health and human services on Wednesday, according to recent polls.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment via email.
Why It Matters
During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy faced scrutiny from some senators about his past comments criticizing vaccines, a sticking point for critics who believe he is unqualified to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Read More on News
If confirmed, Kennedy, would become the highest ranking health official in the country, giving him authority to change U.S. vaccine policy. Many public health experts have warned that loosening vaccine requirements could lead to a rise in the spread of infectious diseeases like polio or measles.
Kennedy sought to dispel the notion that he is anti-vaccine during his confirmation, but he has previously repeated debunked claims about vaccines, such as that they cause autism, and served as the chair of the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense. He also told podcaster Lex Fridman he believes there are "no" safe and effective vaccines, breaking from the overwhelming scientific consensus.
What to Know
Although Kennedy enjoys a positive favorability rating in recent polls, most Americans are less supportive on his policies on issues like vaccines and flouride in drinking water.
...
A YouGov/The Economist poll, conducted among 1,577 adults from January 26 to January 28, 2025, showed that 47 percent of Americans view Kennedy favorably, while 40 percent view him unfavorably. An additional 12 percent aren't sure how they feel about him.
That's roughly in line with Gallup's latest numbers on Kennedy. The polling agency showed 46 percent of Americans view him favorably, while 38 percent view him unfavorably. Fiften percent said they don't have an opinion of him.
Meanwhile, a majority of Americans are concerned about fewer children receiving key vaccinations, according to the latest AP-NORC poll, conducted among 1,147 adults from January 9 to January 13, 2025.
The poll showed that 54 percent are "extremely/very concerned" and 27 percent are "somewhat concerned" that the decline in vaccines will lead to more outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Meanwhile, 51 percent said they were "extremely/very concerned" and 27 percent were "somewhat concerned" that fewer vaccines will lead to more deaths.
Only 27 percent of respondents said they favor reconsidering widely used vaccines, compared to 39 percent who said they would oppose doing so.
The poll also asked about some of Kennedy's other beliefs.
It found that 66 percent of respondents support "restricting processed foods to remove ingredients like added sugar or dyes." But only 26 percent support removing flouride from drinking water, and 23 percent back removing restrictions on the sale of raw milk.
What People Are Saying
Kennedy, during his confirmation hearing: "I believe that vaccines play a critical role in healthcare. All of my kids are vaccinated. I've written many books on vaccines. My first book on vaccines in 2014, the first line in it is 'I'm not anti-vaccine,' and the last line is 'I'm not anti-vaccine.'"
CNN polling analyst Harry Enten: "This is perhaps the reason why I don't necessarily think there will be that many Republicans who vote against him. Look at RFK's net favorability. Among Republicans, look at this now. Plus 60 points. That is up from when he was running for the Democratic nomination two years ago when it was plus 17. Democrats hate RFK Jr. I'd be surprised if he gets any Democrats."
Caroline Kennedy, RFK's cousin, in a video released prior to his confirmation hearing: "He is willing to enrich himself by denying access to a vaccine that can prevent almost all forms of cervical cancer and which has been safely administered to millions of boys and girls."
What Happens Next
Kennedy's confirmation is expected to continue throughout Wednesday and Thursday. The committee will then vote on whether to advance his nomination, potentially setting up a wider vote in the Senate. It's unclear whether any Republicans plan to reject his nomination at this point.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines