Bernie Sanders Goes Viral for Defining a 'Onesie' During Heated Exchange with RFK Jr. Over Vaccines

Mar. 15, 2025

A heated clash betweenBernie SandersandRobert F. Kennedy Jr.over Kennedy Jr.’s record of anti-vaccination rhetoric took an unexpected turn.

During Sanders’ allotted time to question PresidentDonald Trump’spick for Secretary of Health and Human Servicesat hisconfirmation hearingon Wednesday, Jan. 29, the senator, 83, zeroed in on Children’s Health Defense, an anti-vaccine nonprofit organization for which Kennedy Jr., 71, isnamedas a “founder” and “former chairman of the board.”

Though Kennedy Jr. — who has long been a vocal opponent of vaccinations — spent much of the hearing attempting to distance himself from his earlier claims, Sanders argued that his connection to the organization demonstrated the opposite belief.

“As I understand it, on their website, they are selling what’s called onesies. These are little things — clothing for babies,” said the senator, pointing to a large display behind him that pictured two items available for purchase in the Children’s Health Defense’s online store.

One of the onesies, which retails for $25.99, read, “Unvaxxed Unafraid,” and the other featured the words, “No Vax No Problem.”

“Now you’re coming before this committee and you say you’re pro-vaccine?” questioned Sanders.

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Bernie Sanders.Andrew Harnik/Getty

Andrew Harnik/Getty

“You certainly have power. Are you supportive of this?” retorted Sanders. “Are you supportive of these onesies?”

“I’m supportive of vaccines,” said Kennedy Jr. — breaking from his long-held political ideology.

Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation to the Cabinet is seen as one of the most precarious amongTrump’s nominees, given his history of critiquing the very agencies he would be tapped to lead as well as his previous statements supporting abortion rights.

Family criticism aside, Kennedy Jr. has spent much of the last year embroiled in scandal: He’s dodged questions about analleged relationship he hadwith a journalist who profiled him, and he’s facedallegations of sexual assault.

source: people.com