Pence Declares War On Top Trump Official

Mike Pence’s political advocacy group, Advancing American Freedom (AAF), is urging Senate Republicans to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) over concerns about his position on abortion. The group, led by Pence, is calling on GOP lawmakers to oppose Kennedy’s appointment, arguing that his stance on reproductive rights is too radical for someone tasked with overseeing health policies.

In a letter penned by AAF President Tim Chapman and Board Chairman Marc Short, the group criticizes Kennedy for supporting “abortion on demand up until birth,” a claim that has sparked controversy on both sides of the political spectrum. While Kennedy has expressed support for a woman’s right to choose up until “fetal viability”—typically considered to be around 23-24 weeks into pregnancy—the AAF interprets this position as aligning too closely with abortion rights advocates. However, the idea of “abortion on demand up until birth” is a mischaracterization. The vast majority of abortions occur before 20 weeks, and those performed later are often due to severe medical conditions affecting the fetus or the mother’s health.

Pence, known for his staunch pro-life beliefs, has been a fierce critic of abortion rights throughout his political career. As Governor of Indiana, he signed an abortion law in 2016 that was eventually overturned by a federal court. Since leaving office, Pence has remained a prominent figure in the fight against abortion, using his AAF think tank to promote conservative policies aimed at protecting the unborn.

The AAF’s letter underscores the importance of appointing an HHS Secretary with a firm commitment to life, especially given the department’s role in decisions that impact federal funding for organizations like Planned Parenthood, as well as regulations on the abortion pill and insurance coverage for abortion services. With these issues at the forefront of the debate, the AAF argues that Kennedy’s position on abortion makes him unfit for the role.

While Kennedy has faced bipartisan criticism, including accusations of vaccine skepticism, his nomination remains a point of contention. As a former Democrat running for president, Kennedy has displayed a willingness to change his views on major issues, leaving some to wonder whether he might shift his stance on abortion if confirmed.

Pence’s push for Republican senators to oppose Kennedy may face challenges, given his own diminished influence among Trump loyalists after his role in certifying the 2020 election results and his subsequent criticism of the January 6th Capitol riot. Whether his call for action will resonate within the GOP remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the debate over Kennedy’s nomination will likely hinge on abortion and the future of health policy in America.

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