Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is bracing for a tough grilling at his Senate confirmation hearing this Wednesday. He’s been tapped to lead the Health and Human Services (HHS) department, but his past comments on vaccines, public health, and more are raising eyebrows across the political aisle.

Kennedy, a member of the famous Kennedy family, has come under fire for spreading unproven claims, like vaccines causing autism. He’s also compared COVID-19 mandates to Nazi Germany and South Africa’s apartheid laws, sparking backlash from both Democrats and Republicans. Even more eyebrow-raising, he’s suggested chemicals in water could influence children’s sexual orientation and repeatedly questioned the link between HIV and AIDS.

Despite his controversial stance on vaccines, experts emphasize their safety and importance. According to the CDC, routine childhood vaccinations have prevented millions of illnesses and saved countless lives over the decades.

Kennedy’s career started as a progressive lawyer fighting environmental and pharmaceutical battles. He later founded Children’s Health Defense, a group notorious for spreading vaccine misinformation. After a brief independent presidential run, he aligned with the MAGA movement and quickly gained former President Donald Trump’s support, earning the HHS nomination.

If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee a massive $1 trillion budget, managing key agencies like the FDA, CDC, and Medicare. His role would involve regulating food and drugs, approving vaccines, and shaping health insurance programs for millions of Americans.

His anti-vaccine rhetoric isn’t his only issue. Kennedy’s views on abortion and AIDS have also drawn criticism. While he once advocated for unrestricted abortion access, he later shifted his position, supporting limits after fetal viability. His AIDS denialism, which questions the connection between HIV and AIDS, has further fueled controversy.

As the hearing approaches, expect intense questions from both sides of the aisle. Democrats will likely press him on his vaccine skepticism, while Republicans may focus on his abortion stance. One thing’s for sure: Kennedy’s confirmation journey won’t be smooth sailing.