
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) found himself in an uncomfortable spotlight during a Senate hearing when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. directly confronted him over millions in campaign contributions from pharmaceutical-linked donors. Kennedy, appearing before the Senate for his confirmation as Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, challenged Sanders on his long-standing claim to be fighting corporate influence in healthcare.
“Bernie, corruption isn’t just in the regulatory agencies—it’s in Congress too,” Kennedy said. “Many of you, including yourself, have accepted millions from pharmaceutical interests.” His comments triggered applause from the audience, while Sanders reacted with immediate frustration.
Watch Bernie Sanders Squirm as RFK Jr. Calls Out His Big Pharma Money to His Face
SANDERS: “If we want to make America healthy, will you… guarantee health care to every single American?”
KENNEDY: “Bernie, the problem of corruption is not just in the federal agencies. It’s in… pic.twitter.com/2Rv40MOoTc
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) January 30, 2025
“No, no, no!” Sanders shouted, waving his hand. “I got millions of contributions, but not a nickel from Big Pharma PACs. They came from workers.” However, Kennedy was quick to counter, pointing to OpenSecrets data showing that Sanders received more pharmaceutical-related donations than any other senator in 2020.
RFK Jr has exposed the sad truth of the @TheDemocrats and how together with the Pharm business..the pockets of politicians have been lined..we can assume that both have integrated agendas..@DOJCrimDiv @FBI …do not sweep this outburst under the rug ..there is smoke here…Sanders… pic.twitter.com/VjPScMemQE
— Pissed Off Neanderthal🟦 🇺🇸 (@WooPig83) January 31, 2025
The financial records show that in the 2019-20 election cycle, Sanders collected over $1.4 million from individuals tied to the pharmaceutical and health products industries. His 2015-16 total was $439,256, placing him among the top recipients of industry-linked contributions. Some of these donations came from executives at major drug companies, raising further questions about Sanders’ claims of independence.
My favorite moment so far in the confirmation hearings? Watching RFK, Jr., pull Bernie Sanders' trigger. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/3BAIBPGmhm
— Ruth E. Brown 🇺🇲 (@RuthEBrown8888) January 31, 2025
Kennedy’s remarks struck at the core of Sanders’ image as a champion against corporate greed. The Vermont senator has repeatedly called for the government to take over large portions of the healthcare system, arguing that private companies hold too much power. Yet, his financial backing from those very industries complicates that narrative.
Sanders continued to deny wrongdoing, insisting that his donations came from individuals, not corporate entities. However, the moment highlighted the growing concern that politicians who push for government control over healthcare may not be as free from industry influence as they claim.