RFK Jr. says he agrees with Trump that ‘every abortion is a tragedy’ despite personal pro-choice views

Sen. James Lankford pressed Kennedy on his stance, seeking specifics due to President Trump’s firm position on the issue, particularly regarding Title X, a federal program that funds reproductive healthcare services, including gynecological exams.

“Title X is specifically in the HHS area. This has been an area that has been interpreted for a long time, and President Trump in the first administration interpreted that rule to say that his administration would ban the performance, referral for, [and] promotion of abortion as a part of the Title X program. He made that very clear in the first administration,” Lankford said.

“…The Biden administration not only reversed and rescinded that rule, but they went one step the other direction. In my state of Oklahoma… The Biden administration cut off funding to the state of Oklahoma for AIDS testing, for breast cancer screening, and for other areas of poverty health care because my state didn’t promote abortion… My simple question to you is, how are you going to handle Title X on that?”

Kennedy was clear in his response: “I support President Trump’s policies on Title X. I agree with President Trump that every abortion is a tragedy. I agree with him that we cannot be a moral nation if we have 1.2 million abortions a year... I serve at the pleasure of the President—I’m going to implement his policies.”

Later, Sen. Hassan pressed Kennedy further, calling it “remarkable” that he had previously championed women’s reproductive freedom. She added, “It’s really great that my Republican colleagues are so open to voting for a pro-choice HHS secretary.”

“So, Mr. Kennedy, I’m confused. You have clearly stated in the past that bodily autonomy is one of your core values. The question is, do you stand for that value or not? When was it that you decided to sell out the values you’ve had your whole life in order to be given power by President Trump?” Hassan asked. Kennedy reiterated his belief that every abortion is a tragedy.

“My question is, exactly when did you decide to sell out your life’s work and values to get this position?” Hassan pressed.

Kennedy once again repeated that he believes abortion is a tragedy, emphasizing that this stance does not contradict his past statements.