By Basant El-Faramawy
Democrats are planning to use their new congressional majority to investigate Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following their midterm election victories.
Calls for Resignation
Democratic leaders and allies have called for Kennedy's removal, citing his record on vaccines and public health misinformation. Erik Polyak, executive director of the Democratic PAC 314 Action, said Kennedy's "head on a platter" is coming. Maryland Senator Angela Alsobrooks demanded his resignation immediately after the election results became clear.
Midterm Losses Weaken Alliance
The midterm results weakened Kennedy's political alliance, known as MAHA, which had backed numerous Republican candidates who lost. Among the casualties were Iowa gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn, Senate candidate Ashley Hinson, and Representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn. Kennedy also lost an ally in Kansas Senator Roger Marshall and a potential ally in Texas Senate loser Ken Paxton, while gaining a new adversary in South Carolina Senator-elect Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician who supports his impeachment.
MAHA-MAGA Tensions
Tensions between the MAHA movement and President Trump's MAGA base have grown, with Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo acknowledging a "partial fracture." Some Democrats, including Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have expressed interest in winning MAHA members over.
Kennedy Unlikely to Resign
Despite pressure, Kennedy's allies say he is unlikely to resign. Robert Malone told Politico that Kennedy's "personal position is that he is not a quitter and will stick it out." HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard stated he will continue advancing the "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.
