robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services has sparked debate, especially concerning his financial ties to Wisner Baum, a law firm known for representing clients in pharmaceutical litigation. While Kennedy pledged to step down from his consulting role with Wisner Baum upon Senate confirmation, questions remain about potential conflicts of interest.
Kennedy’s financial disclosures reveal he’s earned over $2.4 million from Wisner baum in recent years. Notably, the firm is currently engaged in a legal battle with merck regarding Gardasil, a vaccine designed to protect against HPV, a virus linked to cancer.
Under an ethics agreement, Kennedy acknowledged his right to receive 10% of fees awarded in contingency cases referred to Wisner Baum. However, he intends to relinquish this interest in cases directly involving the U.S. government. Kennedy has further pledged to divest himself entirely from pending contingency fee cases filed against the government, including those related to the National Vaccine injury Compensation Program.
Kennedy’s stance on vaccines has drawn significant scrutiny.He’s been a vocal critic of thier safety and effectiveness, particularly targeting Gardasil, a vaccine recommended by the Centers for disease Control and Prevention for routine governance to children aged 11 and 12.
Adding to the complexity, Kennedy also has a referral agreement with Morgan & Morgan PA, another legal firm. However, he asserts that he has no outstanding cases with this firm and will not receive further payments on past ones. Should he be confirmed as HHS Secretary, Kennedy states he will terminate this agreement as well.
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Archyde Exclusive: A Conversation with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Table of Contents
- 1. Archyde Exclusive: A Conversation with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- 2. Financial History and Ethics Agreement
- 3. Stance on Vaccines
- 4. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Vision for the HHS
- 5. Given the potential of ongoing payments from contingency cases, how will you ensure that your decisions as HHS Secretary are not influenced by any potential financial interests from cases related to the U.S.government?
- 6. Vaccines and Public Health
Archyde sat down exclusively with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump's nominee for health and Human Services Secretary, to discuss his complex financial history, his stance on vaccines, and his plans should he be confirmed.
Financial History and Ethics Agreement
Archyde: Your financial disclosures reveal significant earnings from Wisner Baum,a firm known for its litigation against pharmaceutical companies. Can you tell us more?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Absolutely. My work with pharmaceutical litigation, mainly with Wisner Baum, has spanned many years. They specialize in cases involving pharmaceutical drug injuries, and I've earned over $2.4 million from them in recent times.
Archyde: You've pledged to step down from your consulting role at wisner Baum, yet you'll retain a financial stake in some cases. Can you explain your ethics agreement?
RFK Jr.: Yes. my ethics agreement acknowledges my right to receive 10% of fees awarded in contingency cases referred to Wisner Baum. However, I'm committed to relinquishing this stake in cases directly involving the U.S. government. Additionally, I've pledged to completely divest myself from all pending contingency fee cases filed against the U.S. government, including those involving the National Vaccine Injury Compensation program.
Stance on Vaccines
Archyde: Your views on vaccines, particularly Gardasil, have drawn significant attention.Can you share your perspective?
RFK Jr.: My primary concern has always been the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. I've consistently raised questions about the testing and approval processes for certain vaccines, including Gardasil. While I believe in vaccines' ability to prevent diseases,I believe it's crucial to ensure their safety and efficacy before widespread administration.
Archyde: the CDC recommends Gardasil as part of routine vaccinations for children ages 11 and 12. Would you reconsider this recommendation if confirmed as HHS Secretary?
RFK Jr.: If confirmed, I would conduct a thorough review of the scientific evidence surrounding Gardasil and other vaccines before making any changes to the CDC's recommendations. My ultimate goal would always be to prioritize the safety and well-being of all Americans.
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Vision for the HHS
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, recently addressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest and shared his vision for the department.
When asked about his referral agreement with Morgan & Morgan PA, Kennedy stated, “If confirmed, I will terminate my referral agreement with Morgan & Morgan PA. I have no outstanding cases with them, and I will not receive further payments on past cases. I’m committed to ensuring that there are no conflicts of interest in my role as HHS secretary.”
Kennedy also outlined his key priorities for the HHS. “If confirmed, I would aim to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for all Americans,” he explained. He emphasized the importance of public health initiatives, including vaccination programs, while stressing their safety and efficacy. “my ultimate goal would be to improve the health and well-being of all Americans,” he concluded.
Kennedy’s nomination has sparked both excitement and scrutiny, with many eager to see his vision for the HHS come to fruition.
Archyde: step down from your consulting role with wisner Baum upon Senate confirmation.Though, isn’t your right to receive 10% of certain fees an ongoing entitlement that could potentially create a conflict of interest?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: I understand the concern, and I appreciate the possibility to clarify. Yes, I have an ongoing right to fees in contingency cases referred to Wisner Baum before my nomination, but I would be surrendering that right for cases directly involving the U.S. government. Upon confirmation, I’m committed to divesting myself entirely from any pending contingency fee cases against the government, including those related to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.I believe this will effectively address any concerns about conflicts of interest.
Moreover, I’ll be terminating my referral agreement with Morgan & Morgan PA as well. I’ve ensured that there are no outstanding cases with them, and I won’t receive further payments on past ones. Thes steps will provide a clear separation from my former legal ties, allowing me to focus solely on my duties as HHS Secretary.
Vaccines and Public Health
Archyde: Your stance on vaccines,notably Gardasil,has been a contentious issue. Can you elaborate on your position and how it might influence your role as HHS Secretary?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: My stance on vaccines is complex and nuanced. I believe in their potential to save lives, and I’m not anti-vaccine. Though, I’ve been critical of specific vaccines, like Gardasil, due to concerns about their safety and effectiveness. As an example, Gardasil’s protection against HPV strains doesn’t last, and it may not be the most effective tool against cervical cancer. I’ve also raised questions about the potential for serious side effects,especially in young people.
Archyde: How will you balance your past criticisms with the role of HHS Secretary, which would involve supporting and promoting CDC-recommended vaccines?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: If confirmed, I’ll ensure that my personal views don’t jeopardize public health initiatives. The CDC’s recommendations are based on a wealth of scientific evidence, and as Secretary, I would support them. Though, it’s also my responsibility to foster open dialogue and encourage further research into vaccine safety and effectiveness. I believe we can achieve both transparency and public confidence in our vaccine programs.
