WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing intense scrutiny from senators over his potential profit from vaccine lawsuits while serving as the nation's health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that if he is confirmed he will not collect fees from litigation against the drugmakers of a cervical cancer vaccine.

Kennedy’s commitment to walk away from the potential windfall is a major reversal for the nominee, who in his ethics plan submitted to federal officials earlier this month told lawmakers he was entitled to those proceeds so long as the U.S. government wasn’t involved.

Senators had objected to the financial conflict posed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to retain a financial stake in lawsuits against a major drug company. It remains unclear whether any proceeds would be redirected.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., questions Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Donald Trump's pick for Department of Health and Human Services secretary, as he testifies before the Senate Finance Committee during his confirmation hearing at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 29, 2025. (AP)

President Donald Trump’s Health and Human Services nominee said he will divest his interest in lawsuits against an HPV vaccine manufacturer.

He wants to keep cashing in on lawsuits against drug makers, as his confirmation hearing for health secretary makes clear.

RFK Jr. played a lead role in building a case against Merck's HPV vaccine and could profit from the lawsuit alleging fraud, even if confirmed as health secretary.

If confirmed as health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would oversee the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies that issue key decisions for drug companies.

Kennedy vowed to divest his financial interest in vaccine litigation to his son. Democrats and ethics experts said the arrangement raised further questions.

Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation hearings to serve as the nation's top health official play out on Capitol Hill, President Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services is facing scrutiny not only for his anti-vaccine views,

One of Donald Trump’s most controversial and vulnerable cabinet picks struggled to account for his shape-shifting views, vowing to serve at Trump’s pleasure.

A show trial is an official proceeding that is conducted primarily for propaganda purposes rather than a tribunal seeking truth. That's what the Senate