Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's choice to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, appears before the Senate Finance Committee for his confirmation hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's pick to lead the top U.S. health agency, came under attack for his anti-vaccine views at a contentious Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, with one senior Democrat saying he embraced conspiracy theories and "quacks" to dissuade use of lifesaving medicines.

While Mr. Kennedy, seeking the job of health secretary, has been vocal about vaccines and his desire to overhaul the nation’s diet, he has said very little about other issues.

Sen. Michael Bennet agreed with Kennedy's concerns that the United States is facing a health care crisis regarding ultra-processed foods but challenged him on several of his previous statements.

In his skinny, 1960s-style tie, with his face unsettlingly tan, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was the picture of health at his Senate confirmation hearing to be President Donald Trump’s health and human services secretary.

A longtime anti-vaxxer, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vowed to "Make America Healthy Again" if he is confirmed as Trump's Health and Human Services Secretary.

Doctors and scientists gathered to object Robert Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation as health secretary, citing his anti-vaccine stance.

The US Congress is expected to vote on whether to confirm Robert F Kennedy Jr to lead the nation’s public health institutions in the coming days – he would be taking over during a time of turmoil

Watch live as RFK Jr. faces questions from senators in his confirmation hearing as President Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.