Calls for the impeachment of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy intensified Thursday after a contentious Senate hearing that left lawmakers and commentators from across the political spectrum demanding his resignation.
Kennedy faced sharp criticism from senators over his recent decisions, including the firing of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez, a Trump appointee, and the dismissal of the entire vaccine advisory board. Democrats accused him of endangering the public by spreading misinformation and undermining evidence-based research on vaccines, according to Axios.
While Democratic opposition has been strong, the number of Republican critics has also grown, raising concerns that Kennedy could become a liability for the party ahead of the midterm elections. Bill Kristol, editor at-large of The Bulwark and former chief of staff for Vice President Dan Quayle, added his voice after the heated exchange in Washington.
“I’ve seen enough. Impeach Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.,” Kristol posted. Other conservative commentators echoed the call. Sarah Rumpf wrote on X, “Impeach that quack, @SenBillCassidy. He’s irredeemable. Every day you delay risks more dead Americans. How much blood do you want on your hands?”
Progressive critics also weighed in. Nation writer Joan Walsh posted, “Impeach his deeply dishonest and unhealthy ass!” The impeachment discussion has even broadened to include the judiciary. Some activists argued that the same scrutiny should apply to U.S. Supreme Court judges following revelations that nearly a dozen current federal judges, speaking anonymously to NBC News, expressed concern about the Court’s pattern of overturning lower court rulings on President Donald Trump’s policies with little or no explanation.
Conservative activist Tom Fitton of Judicial Watch added fuel to the fire, writing on X, “Another reason that impeachment must be on the table for judges.”
The growing movement reflects a rare convergence of frustration among both Republicans and Democrats, though for different reasons. Democrats focus on Kennedy’s approach to public health and vaccines, while Republicans fear his actions could jeopardize their broader political standing.
Kennedy, a controversial figure since his appointment, has not publicly responded to the calls for impeachment. Still, the chorus of voices against him continues to expand, suggesting that pressure from both sides may force a showdown over his future in office.
As the midterm season heats up, Kennedy’s leadership is likely to remain under the microscope, with critics from across the aisle determined to hold him accountable.