Chris Christie launched a blistering attack on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., accusing the presidential candidate of being “unqualified” for the role of Health and Human Services Secretary. The former New Jersey governor called RFK Jr. a “foolish man, full of foolish and vapid ideas,” citing his remarks during a congressional hearing.
Christie criticized the appointment, stating, “This wholly unqualified man is in charge of 25% of all government spending… the president’s smart enough to know RFK Jr. doesn’t belong in that job.” He alleged that President Donald Trump’s decision to name Kennedy to the post was a political maneuver to “show everybody I can do whatever I want to do because this Senate will be compliant no matter what I do.”
The controversy intensified when former Trump chief of staff Reince Priebus defended RFK Jr., describing him as “a decent, humble, caring guy” who is “trying to do the right thing.” Christie rebutted, “Humble? You think Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the best man to be leading public health?” and dismissed Priebus’s claims as “a joke.”
Sen. Bernie Moreno responded to Christie’s criticism, suggesting that the former governor “needs to take some pointers from RFK Jr. on health” given his own medical history. The exchange underscored deep divisions over Kennedy’s qualifications amid growing scrutiny of his policies.