Conservative Republicans seem to be embracing health secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. out of loyalty to President Donald Trump.

Kennedy, a Democrat who ended up supporting Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign, faced a confirmation grilling Wednesday over his controversial views -- on everything from vaccines to abortion -- that have both Republicans and Democrats raising concerns.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s alternating views on vaccines, reproductive rights and public health issues were a central focus at his first confirmation hearing Wednesday, with Democratic senators expressing dismay at his nomination and Republicans signaling he’ll likely have their support.

The longtime liberal faces deep skepticism over his public health views. “Frankly, you frighten people,” one Democratic senator told his former roommate.

Some GOP senators want public commitments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. before deciding whether to support him as the next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, signaling that President Donald Trump’s pick will have to win over uncertain Republicans in order to secure the job.

Trump's pick for HHS Secretary faces questions from the left and right over his health stances. But will that stop his confirmation? Follow along for updates.

Senators pressed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his past vaccine and abortion remarks in the first of two days of hearings before senators vote on whether to confirm him as President Trump’s health secretary.