Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) recently pressed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) over a children’s onesie that supposedly invites skepticism toward vaccines. Sanders claimed the piece of clothing was being sold by an organization that Kennedy founded, questioning if he endorsed the message on the onesie.
Sen. Sanders displayed images of two onesies reportedly sold by the Children’s Health Defense that contained the phrases “Unvaxxed Unafraid” and “No Vax No Problem.” One of the chief concerns from Democrats during the Senate hearing was RFK Jr.’s stance on vaccines after he had maintained a critical stance toward COVID-19 vaccines for years.
Beginning his line of questioning on the onesies, Sanders said, “I think the gist of what you’re trying to say today is you’re really pro-vaccine. You want to ask questions. You have started a group called the Children’s Health Defense. You’re the originator right now, as I understand that on their website, they are selling what’s called onesies. These are little things, clothing for babies. One of them is titled, “Unvaxxed, Unafraid.”
The Vermont Democrat continued, “Next one, and they’re sold for 26 bucks a piece, by the way. Next one is “No Vax, No Problem.” Now you’re coming before this committee, and you say you’re pro-vaccine. Just want to ask some questions, and yet, your organization is making money selling a child’s product to parents for 26 bucks, which casts fundamental doubt on the usefulness of vaccines.”
Sanders pressed Kennedy to commit to having those products removed from the market given his commitment that he supported the use of vaccines during the hearing. “Can you tell us, now that you will, now that you are pro-vaccine, that you’re going to have your organization take these products off the market?” he asked.
Kennedy initially pointed out that he was no longer involved with the Children’s Health Defense and had no influence over what they sold. “Senator, I have no power over that organization. I’m not a part of it. I resigned from the board.” the HHS secretary nominee said. However, Sanders was unconvinced of RFK Jr.’s answer. “That was just a few months ago, you founded that,” he rebutted.
Sanders continued, “You certainly have power. You can make that … are you supportive of this?” Kennedy replied, “I’ve had nothing to do…” The senator cut him off, asking, “Are you supportive of these onesies?” The nominee answered, “I’m supportive of vaccines.” Dissatisfied with that response, Sanders further questioned RFK Jr., “Are you supportive of these? This closing, which is militantly anti-vaccine?”
"*" indicates required fields
Watch Kennedy laugh as Sanders pressed him below:
Kennedy began to chuckle as he was continually asked about his endorsement of the children’s clothing. “I am supportive of vaccines. I want good science and I want to protect…” Sanders interjected once again, concluding, “But you will not tell the organization you founded not to continue selling that product. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.” Kennedy began laughing once again, realizing the conversation was going nowhere.
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.