**Kennedy Faces Senate Scrutiny at First Confirmation Hearing**

**Robert F. Kennedy Jr. navigated contentious questions on vaccines, abortion, and processed foods as he aimed for the health secretary position, facing applause and criticism in equal measure.**

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated by President Trump as the U.S. Health Secretary, encountered intense scrutiny during his inaugural confirmation hearing on Wednesday. This pivotal role encompasses oversight for vital health issues, including public welfare programs, medical research, and food safety on a federal level. While prominent for his controversial stance on vaccinations, Kennedy faced inquiries about his previous statements on various health topics, and abortion, amid a backdrop of protests that permeated the sessions.

One of the core discussions revolved around Kennedy's historical statements on vaccines. Having led the organization Children's Health Defense, which has challenged vaccine safety, senators pressed Kennedy for clarification on his views. Maintaining his position, he contended that he supports stringent safety studies rather than being anti-vaccine, a label he believes undermines serious discourse. He asserted his alignment with the childhood vaccination schedule yet also emphasized the need for rigorous testing.

Kennedy used the hearing to highlight his concerns regarding the American food industry, emphasizing its role in rising obesity rates. He pledged to eliminate conflicts of interest related to chemical additives in food production and advocated for a health-oriented approach to combat chronic diseases, stating a desire to empower consumers to choose processed foods if they wish.

In a surprising turn, Kennedy's views on abortion garnered significant attention. Once an advocate for pro-choice stances, he stated that every abortion is a tragedy and shifted to align with more conservative views, suggesting that states should control access to the procedure. This redirection was met with rebuke from some senators, particularly from those who viewed it as a betrayal of his past beliefs.

When questioned by Senator Bernie Sanders regarding universal healthcare, Kennedy's responses were cautious, favoring nuanced arguments over blanket assertions. This was exemplified by his reluctance to equate the healthcare rights of individuals with differing lifestyle choices.

The hearing was marked by contrasting reactions across party lines: while Republican senators lauded Kennedy for his health initiatives and criticized chronic issues in pediatric health, Democrats confronted him about vaccine misinformation and his fitness for overseeing national health policies. As the hearing wrapped up, it became apparent that Kennedy's confirmation would face challenges both from those who worry about his fitness for the role and those who support his proposed changes.

Kennedy's journey continues as he braces for further questioning in an upcoming committee session that will ultimately determine his fate in the Trump administration.