In a recent development, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has openly criticized progressive lawmakers, particularly Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), while expressing support for former President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at reducing prescription drug prices.
During a Senate hearing, Kennedy accused Senator Sanders of hypocrisy, alleging that he accepted significant contributions from the pharmaceutical industry. Kennedy stated, “Almost all the members of this panel are accepting, including yourself, millions of dollars from the pharmaceutical industry to protect their interests.” Sanders refuted the claim, asserting that his campaign contributions came from workers, not corporate PACs, and emphasized his commitment to healthcare reform .Breitbart+1Mediaite+1Mediaite+1Breitbart+1
Kennedy’s support for Trump’s executive order, known as the “Most Favored Nation” (MFN) pricing policy, underscores his stance against high drug prices. The policy aims to tie U.S. drug prices to the lowest prices paid in OECD countries with comparable GDP per capita, potentially reducing costs for American consumers .ReutersWikipedia+2Investor’s Business Daily+2Reuters+2
However, Kennedy’s actions have drawn criticism from some lawmakers. Senators Ron Wyden, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren questioned Kennedy’s attendance at private dinners with pharmaceutical executives at Mar-a-Lago, suggesting potential conflicts of interest .New York Post+11The Express Tribune+11Breitbart+11Breitbart+2Ron Wyden+2Quartz+2
Kennedy’s tenure as HHS Secretary has been marked by a focus on overhauling the U.S. healthcare system, including initiatives to address chronic diseases and scrutinize pharmaceutical practices. His alignment with Trump’s policies and his confrontations with progressive lawmakers highlight the ongoing debates surrounding healthcare reform in the United States.
