Trump Ally Turned Critic: Cassidy Says RFK Jr. Broke Confirmation Promises
WASHINGTON — Outgoing U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana sharply criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Sunday, accusing him of breaking commitments made during his Senate confirmation process and undermining public trust.
Appearing on CBS's Face the Nation, Cassidy, a physician and former chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, said it is "easy to surmise" that Kennedy misrepresented his intentions regarding vaccine policy to secure Senate confirmation.
"If you build public health upon a foundation of lies, then you're going to have the absence of adequate public health," Cassidy said, adding that promises made to him before Kennedy's confirmation "have been violated," making it difficult for the health secretary to govern effectively. Cassidy said he does not believe Kennedy's actions rise to the level of an impeachable offense.
Cassidy's remarks come months after he cast the deciding committee vote that allowed Kennedy's nomination to advance, despite concerns over Kennedy's long-standing skepticism of vaccines. The Louisiana Republican has faced criticism from Democrats for supporting the nomination.
The senator's latest comments add to growing tensions between Cassidy and President Donald Trump. Cassidy, who was defeated in May's Republican primary by Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow, has increasingly broken with the administration on several issues, including support for an Iran War Powers resolution and opposition to a proposed Justice Department fund intended to compensate individuals prosecuted in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Last week, Cassidy acknowledged a heated confrontation with Trump during a closed-door Senate Republican luncheon, where the two reportedly raised their voices over U.S. policy toward Iran. Cassidy later admitted he "lost his temper," joking that his Irish heritage sometimes gets the better of him.
Following the exchange, Cassidy accepted an invitation to the White House for a classified briefing on Iran. After receiving additional information, he and Sen. Rand Paul changed their votes, helping Senate Republican leaders block the War Powers resolution.
"In one sense, I actually accomplished the mission of what I needed to do," Cassidy said, noting that lawmakers wanted greater consultation from the administration before military actions.
Despite the public disagreements, Cassidy said he believes his relationship with Trump remains workable and suggested the president now better understands that Congress expects to be informed on major national security decisions.
Cassidy also offered measured praise for Kennedy, saying that while they disagree on certain issues, he believes the health secretary is genuinely seeking solutions to the nation's health challenges.
Cassidy's criticism reflects broader friction between Senate Republicans and the White House. In recent months, disagreements have surfaced over the proposed Justice Department compensation fund, reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), voter ID legislation, and the stalled nomination of Jay Clayton to serve as director of national intelligence.
