Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Pushes US Clinical Research Revival Amid Family Criticism

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged a coordinated effort to strengthen America’s clinical‑research enterprise, warning that China now conducts more early‑stage trials and accounts for half of global pharmaceutical licensing deals. He said the United States must streamline development programs, boost support for trials, adopt new technologies and revisit regulations to keep its strategic advantage in medical innovation.

At the same time, Kennedy faced sharp rebuke from his own family. Former Rhode Island Representative Patrick Kennedy told NOTUS that his cousin has “pretty much killed” his political future. Other Kennedys described him as a “predator” and called for his resignation, with Caroline Kennedy urging senators to reject his nomination and human‑rights activist Kerry Kennedy demanding he step down.