- Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., files articles of impeachment against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Stevens argues that Kennedy’s actions have jeopardized public health and increased healthcare costs.
- The push is unlikely to advance in the Republican-controlled House.
- Stevens faces a competitive Democratic primary election in Michigan.
Impeachment Efforts Against RFK Jr. Gain Momentum
Democratic Representative Haley Stevens, who is running for an open Senate seat in Michigan, has formally introduced articles of impeachment against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a move that is almost certain to be blocked by the Republican-controlled House.
Background and Context
In September, Stevens had vowed to file such articles following accusations from health and human services critics who warned that Kennedy’s 10-month tenure as HHS secretary had jeopardized public health. Stevens argued that his actions, including cuts in medical research programs, increased healthcare costs, and spread conspiracy theories, warranted impeachment.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Stevens declared: “RFK Jr., has got to go.” She emphasized the severity of Kennedy’s actions: “It’s a public health and safety issue. And when I have Michiganders who have daughters or sons going through clinical cancer research trials that are stopped in the middle because of RFK, when I introduce legislation to reinstitute the funding for those clinical trials, and it doesn’t get done … when I’ve called on him to step down and he doesn’t, this is a safety issue.”
Republican Opposition
Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew Nixon pushed back against Stevens’ efforts in September, stating: “Secretary Kennedy remains focused on the work of improving Americans’ health and lowering costs, not on partisan political stunts.” The Republican-controlled House is unlikely to allow these articles to advance, with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries warning that Republicans will “never allow articles of impeachment to be brought to the floor of the House of Representatives.”
Implications for Michigan’s Democratic Primaries
The move comes at a critical time as Stevens faces a competitive primary race against other candidates vying for her party’s nomination. One such opponent, Rep. Shri Thanedar, has already introduced articles of impeachment against another Trump Cabinet member, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Stevens’ actions could potentially energize the progressive base in Michigan’s Democratic primaries, particularly those casting ballots in upcoming races for Senate and other offices.
However, her push is seen as largely symbolic given the current political landscape in Congress.
Despite the slim chances of success, Stevens remains steadfast: “I’m a very serious lawmaker. I get a lot done here,” she said. “But I’m not going to sit quietly by while people’s health and safety and lives are on the line.”
The case against Kennedy is part of broader efforts within the Democratic Party to hold government officials accountable, particularly those in the Trump administration.
