President Donald Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., may gain support from Rhode Island Democrat Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a longtime friend and former law school roommate. Despite their close relationship,

Whitehouse has not confirmed his vote, stating he will withhold judgment until Kennedy’s hearings. Kennedy faces hearings before the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP)

Committee next week. While some Republicans, like Sen. Bill Cassidy, express concerns over Kennedy’s past vaccine comments, others, like Sen. Chuck Grassley, seem more supportive. However, former Vice President Mike Pence’s organization, Advancing American Freedom, is urging GOP senators to reject Kennedy due to his past abortion stance.

Kennedy, who initially supported a first-trimester abortion ban, later reversed his position, opposing bans before fetal viability. His confirmation remains uncertain amid mixed reactions from both parties.