Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic nominated by President Donald Trump for the role of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary, intends to keep his financial stake in certain lawsuits brought by Wisner Baum, a law firm known for taking on pharmaceutical injury cases. This revelation comes as Kennedy prepares for his Senate confirmation hearings next week.

According to ethics records released Wednesday, Kennedy will continue to earn fees from past client referrals to the firm, even if he assumes a role overseeing policies that directly impact drug manufacturers. Over the past few years, Kennedy has reportedly made more than $2.4 million from this arrangement.

Wisner Baum is currently representing clients in a high-profile lawsuit against Merck over its HPV vaccine, Gardasil. The trial began this week in California. The vaccine is widely recommended by the CDC for children aged 11 or 12 to prevent HPV-related cancers.

In his ethics agreement, Kennedy stated he would end his consulting arrangement with Wisner Baum if confirmed. However, he plans to keep a 10% interest in contingency fees from cases not involving the U.S. government. He also agreed to divest from cases tied to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, a federal system for addressing vaccine-related injuries.

Kennedy has long been a vocal critic of vaccines, particularly Gardasil, despite extensive evidence supporting its safety and effectiveness. Merck, the manufacturer, defended the vaccine in a statement, citing decades of research and real-world data.

Additionally, Kennedy disclosed a referral agreement with another law firm, Morgan & Morgan PA, though he said he would terminate it if confirmed. Critics argue that his financial ties could create conflicts of interest in his potential role as HHS secretary.

The Senate will weigh these ethical concerns as they consider his nomination next week.