Prognosis

Will RFK Jr.’s Watchdog Hold His Feet to the Fire?

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing in Washington in 2024. — Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing in Washington in 2024.
Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg

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By Cynthia Koons and Steven T. Dennis

September 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Hi, it’s Cynthia and Steve. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may be the one in the hot seat today as he prepares to defend his health record in front of the Senate Finance Committee. But there’s actually a different politician in the room who’s even more crucial to watch. More on that in a moment, but first ...

Bill Cassidy has been torn between two loyalties: medicine and politics. On one hand, he’s a medical doctor who’s publicly extolled the virtues of vaccines. On the other, he’s a Republican senator up for reelection in the red state of Louisiana who faces political risks if he openly defies the Trump administration.