
Mike Pence is drawing backlash from conservatives after launching a campaign to block President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Pence’s organization, Advancing American Freedom (AAF), is leading this effort by questioning Kennedy’s pro-life commitment.
AAF sent a letter to Senate Republicans warning that Kennedy’s past support for abortion access makes him unfit to serve in the role. The letter, signed by AAF President Tim Chapman and Chairman Marc Short, urges senators to demand strict pro-life assurances from Kennedy or reject his nomination entirely. This opposition directly conflicts with Kennedy’s recent promises to support Trump’s pro-life agenda.
Kennedy has worked to reassure conservative lawmakers about his stance. He told Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) that he would fully reinstate Trump’s policies aimed at restricting abortion, including cutting taxpayer funding for abortion providers. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) also confirmed Kennedy’s commitment to implementing Trump’s agenda at HHS.
Conservative critics have condemned Pence for interfering with Trump’s decision. Natalie Winters, a conservative commentator, accused Pence of helping elect pro-abortion politicians and now standing in the way of a Trump-backed nominee. Many conservatives believe Pence is aligning with the political establishment instead of supporting the voters who backed Trump.
Pence’s actions threaten to create divisions among Republicans in the Senate. With the Democratic Party unified against Kennedy, Pence’s pressure campaign could weaken Republican support for Trump’s Cabinet pick. This internal conflict could stall Trump’s efforts to restore pro-life policies within his administration.
The Senate confirmation hearing for Kennedy is approaching, and Pence’s opposition may influence key votes. The outcome could determine whether Trump can fully implement his conservative agenda at the Department of Health and Human Services.