A pro-Trump advocacy group, the Patient First Coalition (PFC), is launching a "massive grassroots effort" to sway undecided Republican senators to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary. Kennedy, a controversial figure due to his past stances on vaccines, recently concluded contentious confirmation hearings. The PFC aims to mobilize public support for Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" agenda through various media channels, including television, radio, podcasts, and newspaper columns, encouraging calls and emails to Senate offices.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies during his Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing. (Getty Images)
The group's initial focus will be on Republican senators representing Louisiana, Maine, Alaska, Kentucky, and North Carolina, including influential figures like Sen. Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health Committee, and Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Mitch McConnell, and Thom Tillis. These senators have expressed concerns regarding Kennedy's past statements on vaccines, with Sen. Cassidy directly addressing his apprehension during the hearings. The PFC's pressure campaign coincides with President Trump's public call for swift confirmation of his remaining Cabinet nominees. This escalating pressure from both the advocacy group and the president underscores the contentious nature of Kennedy's nomination.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. talks with Sen. Bill Cassidy following his testimony. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey Jr.)
This latest development adds to the ongoing efforts by various outside groups to influence the confirmation process for Trump's nominees. Sources suggest these groups may target Republican senators who oppose the president's choices. The PFC's strategy highlights the increasing role of external advocacy in shaping political appointments and the challenges faced by senators navigating these pressures.
President Donald Trump talks to reporters in the Oval Office. (Getty Images)
