Former Vice President Mike Pence, once heralded as a staunch ally of conservative values, is now drawing fire for his opposition to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Pence, acting through his political organization Advancing American Freedom (AAF), is lobbying Republican senators to block Kennedy’s appointment. Critics argue that Pence’s opposition is more about preserving the interests of Big Pharma and his own legacy than genuine concerns about Kennedy’s policies.
In a letter to Senate Republicans, AAF raises alarm over Kennedy’s past comments on abortion, portraying him as an unacceptable choice for conservatives. The letter, signed by AAF President Tim Chapman and Chairman Marc Short, accuses Kennedy of supporting late-term abortions and claiming the government should not interfere in such decisions—even if the pregnancy is full-term.
The Pence-aligned group argues that Kennedy’s position is “completely out of step with the strong, pro-life record of the first Trump Administration.” The letter also questions Kennedy’s sincerity in addressing pro-life concerns, citing his prior statements and perceived liberal leanings.
Despite this, Kennedy has assured key Republican figures, including Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), that he is committed to re-implementing Trump-era pro-life policies at HHS. These include reinstating the Mexico City Policy, which blocks federal funding for international organizations that provide or promote abortions, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are not used to fund abortions domestically.
Pence’s opposition to Kennedy has sparked speculation about his true motives. Kennedy’s nomination by President-elect Donald Trump represents a bipartisan effort to shake up the status quo at HHS, an agency plagued by allegations of mismanagement and overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kennedy’s pledge to investigate controversial decisions made by Anthony Fauci and Deborah Birx during the pandemic further complicates Pence’s stance.
As head of the COVID-19 task force, Pence oversaw Operation Warp Speed and public health policies that critics claim aligned closely with Big Pharma’s interests. Kennedy’s appointment poses a direct threat to the legacy of that task force, as well as to those who profited from its policies.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time critic of Big Pharma and government overreach, is seen by many as a reformer capable of addressing the deep-seated issues within the HHS. Known for his environmental activism and advocacy against harmful vaccine practices, Kennedy has promised to restore public trust in federal health agencies by prioritizing transparency and accountability.
Kennedy’s willingness to take on entrenched interests has earned him bipartisan support, with some Republicans, like Hawley, viewing his nomination as an opportunity to realign HHS with Trump’s America First agenda.
“RFK Jr. has committed to reimplementing critical pro-life policies and investigating the failures of the past,” Hawley said. “His nomination is a step toward restoring integrity in public health policy.”
Pence’s alignment with Big Pharma during his tenure as vice president has drawn scrutiny in light of his opposition to Kennedy. Critics argue that Pence’s role in elevating Fauci, Birx, and then-HHS Secretary Alex Azar during the pandemic contributed to policies that prioritized pharmaceutical profits over public health.
Kennedy has vowed to launch investigations into the COVID-19 task force’s decisions, including the influence of pharmaceutical companies on vaccine mandates and public health strategies. This pledge puts Pence, along with other members of the Trump administration who were involved, in an uncomfortable spotlight.
The GOP is sharply divided over Kennedy’s nomination. On one side are establishment figures like Pence, who see Kennedy as a threat to the conservative agenda. On the other are Trump allies and reform-minded Republicans who view Kennedy’s appointment as a chance to address corruption and mismanagement in federal agencies.
Senator Hawley’s endorsement of Kennedy underscores this divide, as does the support of other conservative lawmakers who believe Kennedy’s commitment to pro-life policies and government reform outweighs his past positions on abortion.
Kennedy’s nomination represents more than just a personnel decision; it’s a battle over the future of public health policy and government accountability. Pence’s efforts to block Kennedy signal a larger struggle within the GOP over who controls the party’s agenda in the post-Trump era.
Critics argue that Pence’s opposition reveals his allegiance to establishment interests and his reluctance to confront the failures of the COVID-19 response.
“Pence isn’t protecting conservative values—he’s protecting his own legacy and the powerful interests he served during the pandemic,” said one Republican strategist.
As the Senate prepares to vote on Kennedy’s nomination, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Trump and his allies, Kennedy represents a bold choice to reform HHS and challenge the status quo. For Pence and the establishment wing of the GOP, his nomination is a threat to their influence and legacy.
The battle over Kennedy’s appointment will likely define the early days of Trump’s second term and set the tone for the ongoing fight between reformers and establishment figures within the Republican Party. Will the Senate side with transparency and reform—or will it bow to the pressures of the old guard? Stay tuned.
9 Comments
Not surprising at all, Pence has always been a jesuit turncoat traitor
If he is trying to be relevant, he missed the mark. No one listens to has been politicians. What a sanctimonious loser.
The only thing that Pence and his group wants is the money they get from Big Pharma to harm the American people.
Pence became your typical politician switch hitter RINO lost all common sense decency
What a way to destroy your career for ever. Your political career is over ruined for ever just your face in shame.
Pants is probably having sex with Liz.Cheney and 80 nobra.He is a worthless Democrat that has never been on the side of the American patriots.Any senator tell that listens to this pile of shit should be voted out
Pence needs to drop dead he is way beyond an evil Satan maggot!
Get this Benedict Arnold Satan Serving Traitor out of Politics Completely!
Pence nobody gives a sh-t what you think or say anymore your just another scumbag who’s the biggest f-ckin backstabber in the Republican Party a real rino your a disgrace to America and to yourself. Why don’t you just join the democratic party because you’re never going to get respect from any Trump supporters. Your political career is over you burned the biggest bridge in history. All you had to do was say we need a professional outside recount of ballots and check all mail in ballots but you weren’t man enough to stand for the constitution rights. Just hide your face in shame because you don’t have a lot of followers or friends
Ty; that’s true and what made it worse was he was often tooting his Christian horn attempting to push the image of his being holier than thou! But he was actually a Judas Priest! This makes him truly a condemned man and evil!