Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Stance on Medicaid Cuts Remains Unclear During Confirmation Hearing
During his confirmation hearing on January 29 to become the head of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. avoided answering whether he would support reductions in Medicaid funding.
If appointed, Kennedy will be responsible for overseeing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which manages the nation’s two largest health insurance programs.
Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) questioned Kennedy twice on his stance regarding Medicaid cuts. Kennedy responded by stating his intention to collaborate with President Donald Trump to improve Medicaid, yet he did not exclude the possibility of cuts nor did he offer any detailed plans.
This ambiguity occurs as House Republicans contemplate a $2.3 trillion cut to Medicaid, with the funds redirected toward several Trump administration objectives, such as migrant deportation and tax breaks for the wealthy.
On January 28, Medicaid services experienced temporary disruptions in various states following a federal grant freeze ordered by the Office of Budget and Management. The White House later clarified that Medicaid would not be subject to the freeze, and the entire order was retracted on January 29 after public backlash.
Currently, Medicaid provides health insurance to over 72 million low-income Americans, with approximately 12 million of those individuals also covered by Medicare.
In a discussion with Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Kennedy demonstrated a lack of familiarity with basic Medicaid facts, mistakenly asserting that the program is entirely federally funded, despite its joint federal-state financial structure.
Kennedy also commented, “Most people who are on Medicaid are not happy. The premiums are too high. The deductibles are too high.” Contrary to his statement, a KFF tracking poll indicates that as of January 2025, over 80% of Medicaid recipients positively rate their coverage, and most do not pay premiums.
Initially a lawyer and environmental activist, Kennedy ran as a Democrat and later as an independent in the 2024 presidential race. He halted his campaign in August 2024, subsequently endorsing Trump, who nominated him for the DHS position on November 15.
Kennedy is no stranger to controversy, being known for his vaccine skepticism and association with fringe conspiracy theories. He has admitted to past infidelity and heroin use.
On January 28, Kennedy’s cousin, Caroline Kennedy, sent a letter to U.S. Senators, urging opposition to his nomination and labeling him a power-hungry “predator.”
A spokesperson for Trump’s transition team did not provide an immediate comment regarding the situation.
