Mike Pence-Founded Group Pushes Back Against RFK Jr.’s Nomination for HHS Secretary
A conservative advocacy group launched by former Vice President Mike Pence is increasing pressure on Republican senators to oppose the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services in a potential second Trump administration.
The group, Advancing American Freedom, is urging GOP lawmakers to reject Kennedy’s appointment, citing his past positions on abortion as disqualifying.
In a letter to senators, organization president Tim Chapman and board chairman Marc Short—Pence’s former chief of staff—emphasized the importance of pro-life credentials for anyone leading the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“Regardless of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s other qualifications or his ‘Make America Healthy Again’ campaign, an HHS Secretary must be unwavering in their commitment to protecting unborn life,” the letter reads. “While Kennedy has made some gestures toward pro-life leaders, his record offers little reassurance at this stage.”
This marks the second time Pence’s organization has formally opposed Kennedy’s nomination.
Following former President Donald Trump’s announcement of RFK Jr. as his pick for HHS, Pence released a public statement criticizing Kennedy’s past support for abortion rights.
Kennedy, who initially ran for president in 2024 as a Democrat, has expressed a variety of positions on abortion.
He once supported a ban on abortion after the first trimester but later reversed course.
He has stated opposition to banning the procedure before fetal viability—typically around 24 weeks—and voiced support for Roe v. Wade-era protections.
On his campaign website, Kennedy describes himself as a “firm supporter” of Roe v. Wade and has indicated he would back legislation to restore abortion rights if the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is not overturned.
Despite these concerns, many Republican senators remain supportive of Kennedy’s nomination after personal meetings with him.
Kennedy has assured them that he would implement all anti-abortion policies from the first Trump administration, regardless of his personal beliefs.
Vice President JD Vance has also weighed in, pushing back against any potential GOP defections. Speaking on Fox News with host Sean Hannity, Vance said senators should respect President Trump’s Cabinet choices, even if they disagree on specific issues.
“The president has made his selections, and the Senate’s role in confirming them shouldn’t be used to block qualified individuals over a single policy disagreement,” Vance said.
“Trump won a broad mandate, and his coalition includes voices that deserve representation in government.”
Kennedy joins Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, and Tulsi Gabbard, tapped to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), as some of the most debated Cabinet selections.
Vance said he believes all three will ultimately be confirmed but acknowledged it will take a concerted effort.
“These aren’t traditional choices,” Vance added. “But they reflect the evolving makeup of the Republican coalition—and that deserves a seat at the table.”
