Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, faced intense questioning from the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday regarding his views on vaccine policies and the recent changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This hearing comes amid rising criticism over the dismissal of the CDC director and key vaccine experts, as Kennedy aims to align national vaccine policies with his long-held concerns about the safety and effectiveness of established vaccines.

During the hearing, Kennedy made a controversial claim, stating that half a million children went missing during the Biden administration. He also defended the removal of CDC officials, labeling their policies during the COVID-19 pandemic as “nonsensical.” Kennedy's remarks reflect his ongoing efforts to reshape public health policies in line with his skepticism about vaccines.

Senator Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Colorado, was among those who questioned Kennedy about the implications of his proposed changes. The hearing highlighted the growing divide in opinions on vaccine safety and public health strategies.

In related news, European leaders convened in Paris to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, while President Donald Trump prepared to host a dinner with prominent tech CEOs, including Bill Gates and Tim Cook, at the White House. Notably, Elon Musk was not on the guest list. Additionally, the Trump administration has taken its tariff disputes to the Supreme Court, seeking a swift ruling on the president's authority to impose import taxes under federal law.

As the hearing continues, observers are closely monitoring the implications of Kennedy's statements and the broader impact on vaccine policy in the United States.