WASHINGTON — Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., grilled Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy on his skepticism of vaccines Thursday, arguing that his actions fly in the face of one of President Donald Trump’s biggest achievements.
Cassidy opened his questioning at a Senate hearing by asking Kennedy if he agrees Trump should get a Nobel Prize for the development of the Covid vaccine in the throes of the pandemic during his first term, known as Operation Warp Speed.
Kennedy replied quickly: “Absolutely, senator.”
Cassidy was skeptical.
“But you just told Sen. [Michael] Bennet that the Covid vaccine killed more people than Covid. That was a statement,” Cassidy said, adding that “it surprises me that you think so highly of Operation Warp Speed when, as an attorney, you attempted to restrict access” to the Covid vaccine.
Kennedy denied that he said the vaccine killed more people than Covid, and offered to explain why he conducted legal work in opposition to the vaccine. But Cassidy was unimpressed, saying he had limited time and persisted with further questions.
Cassidy cited testimonials from a conservative commentator that HHS actions are making it harder for some Americans to get the Covid vaccine, and from physicians worried that the lack of guidance from HHS about the vaccine could create liability problems.
“I would say, effectively, we’re denying people vaccine,” Cassidy told Kennedy during his questioning.
The unusual exchange comes as Cassidy walks a political tightrope. He’s a doctor and proponent of vaccines. But he’s also running for re-election in the deep-red state of Louisiana, where he faces a challenge from the MAGA wing of the party. Trump has not made an endorsement in the race.
Cassidy’s strategy Thursday was to voice his skepticisms of Kennedy through the language of Trump’s movement: by presenting them as a way to show support for the president and to protect his legacy.
Trump has a complex history on the matter. He took pride in the Covid vaccine rollout during the pandemic. But during his 2024 comeback campaign, Trump also sought to channel anger at the government’s response to Covid within his base — including distrust of public health officials that has translated into some anti-vaccine sentiments.
That led to the partnership between Trump and Kennedy, the scion of a Democratic political dynasty that now eschews his politics, and ultimately, the president’s selection of him as HHS secretary.
Earlier this year, Cassidy, the chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, openly acknowledged he struggled with Kennedy’s nomination. Cassidy ended up providing critical support for Kennedy after receiving assurances that he wouldn’t sow distrust or damage the availability of vaccines. With Cassidy’s backing, Kennedy advanced to the Senate floor, where he was confirmed 52-48. Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the lone Republican to join all Democrats in voting against Kennedy.
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said Kennedy broke his promise to Cassidy and should resign.
“He has completely gone against what he pledged to this committee and to my friend Bill Cassidy,” Warner told reporters. “This is a giant step backwards.”
Cassidy was one of two Republican doctors, along with Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming, who voiced concern Thursday that Kennedy’s actions may negatively impact public health.
“To me, what’s more important is that there are Republicans like Bill Cassidy, with medical degrees, that are beginning to call the question on the insanity that Robert Kennedy is spewing all over the place,” Bennet, D-Colo., told reporters. “I just hope that it won’t be too late.”
Cassidy left the Senate Finance Committee hearing room after questioning Kennedy on Thursday and told reporters several times that his exchange speaks for itself. Asked if he regrets his pivotal vote to confirm Kennedy to the position, Cassidy didn’t answer before disappearing into an elevator.
Within a few hours, Cassidy posted his portion of remarks from the hearing on X, asking why Trump hasn’t received a Nobel for Operation Warp Speed.
Frank Thorp V and Ryan Nobles contributed.
