Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confronted with a number of his baseless claims and a vexing abortion issue. But Republican senators treaded lightly.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former presidential candidate and environmental activist, endorsed Donald Trump last year and threw his weight behind a campaign to “Make America Healthy Again.” For the past two decades he has been best known for airing skeptical views on vaccines.

RFK Jr. claimed he is not “anti-vaccine” and appeared unfamiliar with key aspects of healthcare insurance programs in his confirmation hearing.

If approved, Kennedy will control a $1.7 trillion agency that oversees food and hospital inspections, hundreds of health clinics, vaccine recommendations and health insurance for roughly half the country.

President Donald Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services on Nov.

Backed by dozens of ultra-right anti-vaccine zealots in the audience, Kennedy engaged in over three hours of lies, half-truths, and disinformation in his effort to become the top general in Trump’s war on public health.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s controversial pick to lead Health and Human Services, testified before a Senate panel that is crucial to advance his nomination.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny about previous statements at his first confirmation hearing for DHHS secretary.

Mr. Kennedy appears to have most Republicans behind him as he seeks the job of health secretary, though he couldn’t escape his past stances on vaccines and abortion.