Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) grilled Department of Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over a baby onesie sold from a group he founded that says, “No Vax, No Problem.”
During his lengthy confirmation hearing, Kennedy was interrogated about his stance on vaccines. Sanders pointed to photos of baby onesies sold by Children’s Health Defense, a nonprofit that has launched lawsuits against the federal government over vaccines. Kennedy previously served as chairman of the nonprofit group.
“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 little things, clothing for babies,” Sanders said Wednesday during the hearing, noting that the baby clothes are sold for $26.
Kennedy faced tough questions from Democrats over the issue of vaccines throughout the hearing. He told the senators he is not anti-vaccine and said his children are vaccinated.
“You say you are pro-vaccine,” Sanders said, adding “Yet your organization is making money selling a child’s product to parents for 26 bucks, which cast fundamental doubt on the usefulness of vaccines.”
“Senator, I have no power over that organization,” Kennedy replied. “I’m not part of it. I resigned from the board just a few months ago.”
“You founded that,” Sanders shot back. “You certainly have power.”
According to a December filing, Kennedy said he no longer serves as the chairman or chief legal counsel for the Children’s Health Defense organization. He previously earned a $326,000 salary for three months of work at the nonprofit in 2023, filings viewed by The Associated Press show. A page on the group’s website calls Kennedy a “founder” of the nonprofit.
After Sanders’s questioning, the organization took to social media to plug its merchandise.
“Get your CHD Baby Onesies here!” Children’s Health Defense posted to the social media platform X. “Thanks for the plug @BernieSanders! We know it doesn’t compete with what Big Pharma gifts you, but let us know if you want some CHS merch.”
