Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny during his first confirmation hearing for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The hearing, which began at 10 AM ET, saw Kennedy grilled on several contentious issues, particularly his views on vaccines and healthcare policies.
Kennedy nomination as the leader of the HHS has raised concerns among pharmaceutical companies and processed food manufacturers due to his proposed “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda. Kennedy’s plans, if implemented, could significantly impact these industries.
“The first thing I’ve done every morning for the past 20 years – is get on my knees and pray to God that He would put me in a position to end the chronic disease epidemic and to help America’s children,” Kennedy said in his opening remarks.
Despite facing critical questioning from Democrats, Kennedy’s nomination benefits from solid support among Republicans, who hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. However, the narrow majority leaves little room for error in the confirmation process.
“I can’t say that I’m surprised by the hostility on the other side,” Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) said. “I’m highly disappointed in it. RFK Jr will focus on science, not profit.”

Kennedy has pledged to transform America’s food system by targeting several key areas:
Food Additives and Dyes
- Kennedy aims to ban numerous food additives and dyes that are currently allowed in the U.S. but prohibited in Europe.
- He has specifically mentioned cracking down on artificial food colorings, citing potential health risks.
Ultra-processed Foods
- Kennedy has called for restrictions on ultra-processed foods, linking them to chronic diseases in the United States.
- He advocates for enhancing the nutritional quality of school lunches and regulating foods associated with obesity and diabetes.
FDA Regulations
- Kennedy proposes a significant rewrite of the FDA’s rules governing food additives, particularly targeting the “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) provision.
- He aims to reform the systems that regulate pesticides, herbicides, and food additives.
Pharmaceutical Industry Challenges - Kennedy’s stance on the pharmaceutical industry is equally confrontational:
Vaccine Skepticism
- Kennedy stated he is not “anti-vaccine,” yet promotes views questioning vaccine safety, which could impact vaccine policies and public health initiatives.
Drug Development and Regulation
- Kennedy has suggested easing FDA regulations on various unproven treatments, which could alter the landscape for drug development and approval processes.
Advertising Restrictions
- He has proposed prohibiting television advertisements for pharmaceuticals, which would significantly affect how drug companies market their products.
Potential Hurdles
While Kennedy’s proposals align with some public health advocates’ goals, he faces several challenges:
- Political Opposition: Republicans, who typically advocate for fewer regulations, may resist Kennedy’s plans for increased oversight.
- Industry Pushback: Both food and pharmaceutical industries are preparing to oppose Kennedy’s agenda, with lobbyists expressing concerns about the Trump campaign. Millions are donated to lawmakers by Big pharma, which could influence confirmation votes.
- Funding Constraints: The federal government’s limited investment in healthy food initiatives compared to industry spending on fast food and sugary drinks promotion may hinder Kennedy’s efforts.
- Bureaucratic Obstacles: Implementing significant changes within the FDA and other health agencies could prove difficult due to existing bureaucratic structures.
“I don’t think anybody is going to be able to do this like I can because of my peculiar experience,” Kennedy said. “I’ve litigated against these agencies. When you litigate against them, you get a Ph.D in corporate capture and how to unravel it.”
Despite these challenges, Kennedy’s nomination has put health advocates in a complex position, with some cautiously supporting certain proposals while warning against others. As Kennedy prepares for his Senate confirmation hearings, the food and pharmaceutical industries remain watchful, anticipating potential shifts in regulations and policies that could reshape their operations in the coming years.