Former Vice President Mike Pence has publicly called for the resignation of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., escalating a political battle within conservative circles over the handling of reproductive health policy.
Pence's Demand and the "Progressive Wolf" Allegation
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, Pence declared that Secretary Kennedy should "step aside" to allow President Trump to appoint a new HHS leader committed to delivering "pro-life results." The demand was amplified by a memo from Pence's right-wing political organization, the Advancing American Freedom Foundation.
The memo, first reported by Real Clear Politics, accused Kennedy of being a "progressive wolf in pro-life sheep's clothing." It argued that Republicans had given Kennedy a chance based on a belief he would protect "vulnerable women and children," but he had instead failed by not halting progressive abortion policies.
The Core Issue: The Mifepristone Safety Review
The controversy stems from a decision announced in June by Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary to initiate a new assessment of the abortion medication mifepristone. This move came after months of pressure from anti-abortion groups, despite the drug having a 25-year safety record.
Decades of scientific research consistently show that mifepristone, used in a two-drug regimen with misoprostol, is extremely safe and more than 95% effective. Major medical organizations and abortion rights advocates contend the new review is politically motivated, aimed at restricting access nationwide.
Opponents advocating for the review have largely relied on a report from an anti-abortion think tank, which mainstream science has criticized. Pence's organization cited this report in its Monday memo.
Deepening Rifts and White House Response
Pence's call for Kennedy's resignation follows his demand last week for FDA Commissioner Makary to step down, aligning him with other anti-abortion groups. This solidifies a growing divide on the political right between devout anti-abortion evangelicals and the Trump administration.
President Trump, who appointed the Supreme Court justices that overturned Roe v. Wade, has recently attempted to moderate his stance on abortion ahead of the 2025 election. The White House defended Commissioner Makary last week, stating he is working diligently on a "Gold Standard Science study" of mifepristone. The administration has not yet commented on Pence's demand for Kennedy's resignation.
The unfolding conflict highlights the intense political pressure surrounding reproductive health policy and the challenges facing officials navigating between scientific consensus and ideological demands.
