Former Vice President Mike Pence strongly criticizes President-elect Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health Secretary, citing concerns over abortion stance.
At a Glance
- President-elect Trump selects Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services secretary
- Mike Pence opposes Kennedy’s nomination due to his pro-choice position
- Kennedy supports abortion rights and codifying Roe v. Wade
- Pence claims Kennedy would be the most pro-abortion Republican HHS secretary in modern history
- Conservative groups express concern over Kennedy’s nomination
Pence’s Strong Opposition to Kennedy’s Nomination
Former Vice President Mike Pence has voiced strong opposition to President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Pence’s criticism centers on Kennedy’s pro-choice stance, which he views as a significant departure from the pro-life policies of the previous administration.
“I believe the nomination of RFK Jr. to serve as Secretary of HHS is an abrupt departure from the pro-life record of our administration and should be deeply concerning to millions of Pro-Life Americans who have supported the Republican Party and our nominees for decades,” Pence said.
Pence’s remarks highlight the growing divide within the Republican Party over the issue of abortion. The former vice president, known for his staunch pro-life stance, sees Kennedy’s nomination as a potential threat to the conservative values that have long been a cornerstone of the GOP’s platform.
Kennedy’s Stance on Abortion Rights
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s position on abortion has been a source of controversy and concern for conservatives. Kennedy supports abortion rights and has expressed his intention to codify Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that was overturned in 2022. This stance puts him at odds with many in the Republican Party who have long fought to restrict abortion access.
“If confirmed, RFK, Jr. would be the most pro-abortion Republican appointed secretary of HHS in modern history,” Pence said.
Kennedy’s campaign website describes him as “a firm supporter of the principles laid out 50 years ago in Roe v. Wade.” This position has not only drawn criticism from Pence but has also raised concerns among other conservative groups and pro-life advocates who fear it could undermine their efforts to further restrict abortion access across the country.
Implications for the Republican Party
The nomination of Kennedy for such a crucial position has exposed deep fissures within the Republican Party. While President-elect Trump has shown a willingness to distance himself from the anti-abortion wing of the party, many conservatives view this move as a betrayal of core Republican values.
“On behalf of tens of millions of pro-life Americans, I respectfully urge Senate Republicans to reject this nomination and give the American people a leader who will respect the sanctity of life as secretary of Health and Human Services,” said Pence.
Pence’s call for Senate Republicans to reject Kennedy’s nomination underscores the potential for a contentious confirmation process. With the GOP expected to hold a slim majority in the Senate, Kennedy’s confirmation would require the support of at least 51 senators, a threshold that may prove challenging given the controversy surrounding his stance on abortion.
NEW from @NRO: Mike Pence Urges Senate to Reject RFK Jr. HHS Nomination over ‘Pro-Abortion’ Stancehttps://t.co/OFqWgdsfoi
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) November 15, 2024
Conservative Response and Future Implications
Leading anti-abortion groups have expressed concern over Kennedy’s nomination but have not outright rejected him. Organizations such as Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and Students for Life are taking cautious positions, emphasizing the need for a pro-life HHS secretary while awaiting further discussions.
The nomination of Kennedy as HHS secretary represents a significant shift in Republican politics and could have far-reaching implications for the party’s stance on abortion and healthcare policies. As the confirmation process unfolds, it will likely continue to be a flashpoint for debate within the GOP and could potentially reshape the party’s approach to these critical issues in the years to come.
