Mike Pence Backstabs Republicans, Launches Campaign Against Top Trump Nominee

Former Vice President Mike Pence is leading a campaign to block Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), creating a divide within the Republican Party. Pence, long viewed as a steady figure in conservative politics, appears to be positioning himself as the voice of the GOP establishment, willing to challenge President-elect Donald J. Trump’s choice for the high-profile role.

Through his political organization, Advancing American Freedom, Pence is urging Republican senators to reject Kennedy’s nomination over his past support for abortion access, a position that conflicts with the party’s broader pro-life platform. In a letter addressed to GOP senators, the group lays out five questions aimed at Kennedy, including one referencing a past statement where he reportedly supported late-term abortion rights.

The letter points to a past statement from Kennedy claiming that a woman should be allowed to terminate her pregnancy at any stage, including full term, without government interference, “even if [the baby] is full term.” Tim Chapman, President of AAF, and Marc Short, Chairman of the Board, argue that such views starkly contrast with the “strong, pro-life record of the first Trump Administration.”

“While RFK Jr. has made certain overtures to pro-life leaders that he would be mindful of their concerns at HHS, there is little reason for confidence at this time,” the letter read, first obtained by The Daily Wire. “There are hundreds of decisions made every day at HHS that either lead our nation toward a respect for life or away from it—decisions about federal funding for Planned Parenthood, regulations on the abortion pill (currently accounting for three out of every five abortions), insurance coverage of abortion, and more.”

Duluth, Georgia, USA, October 23, 2024. Robert F. Kennedy Jr and Donald Trump at an election rally at the Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia.

“Whatever the merits of RFK Jr’s Make America Healthy Again initiative—indeed, whatever other qualities a nominee might possess—an HHS Secretary must have a firm commitment to protect unborn children, or else bend under the pressure and pushback surrounding these daily, critical decisions,” the letter stated. “We strongly encourage you to reject the nomination of any pro-abortion nominees to serve at HHS. RFK Jr., as well as any other nominated HHS Secretary, must be able to provide satisfactory answers to the list of important pro-life questions attached to this letter.”

“The pro-life movement has a strong bench of courageous pro-life leaders who are willing to serve the American people as the head of HHS.” The group’s efforts include outreach to key Senate Republicans and a media blitz aimed at shaping public opinion.

President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services is set to face the Senate in what is expected to be a contentious confirmation hearing. Kennedy has sought to temper his views in recent weeks, expressing his support for certain vaccines like those for polio.

The hearing, scheduled for Thursday, comes as the Senate has weighed the qualifications of several Trump Cabinet appointees. With the Republican Party holding a slim majority, Kennedy’s confirmation is far from guaranteed. Even minor defections within the GOP could jeopardize his chances, particularly as Democratic opposition is expected to be unified.