RFK Jr. defends Trump’s mental health and fitness at congressional hearing

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended comments about President Donald Trump’s mental health following a tense exchange at a congressional hearing.

At Friday’s hearing, Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) addressed Trump’s recent social media posts, pointing to an AI-generated image that critics say depicts him as Jesus Christ and his criticism of Pope Leo as evidence that he is mentally unstable.

“Millions of Americans are questioning this president’s mental health, emotional stability, and whether he can fulfill the duties of his office. Do you share his concerns about his mental health?” Takano asked Kennedy.

Kennedy began to respond by saying, “I draw your attention to…” before the agent interrupted him and demanded a more direct response.

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“Minister, my question was: Do you share his concerns about his mental health?” Takano repeated. “We need a leader who we know has full command of his mental faculties and who we know is emotionally stable while endangering American men and women in uniform.”

“Millions of Americans are wondering right now whether this president is delusional and thinks he is Jesus Christ,” he continued. “Mr. Secretary, given everything I have shown you today, would you insist on an evaluation of President Trump’s mental health and emotional stability?”

“Absolutely not,” Kennedy quickly interjected.

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U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks alongside President Donald Trump during a press conference in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on May 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. During the event, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at reducing the cost of prescription drugs and pharmaceuticals by 30% to 80%. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Takano asked whether Kennedy would support invoking the 25th Amendment, which allows the transfer of power if the president dies, resigns or becomes incapacitated.

Kennedy began to reply, “There has never been a more sane and stable president…” before the congressman interrupted him again.

Takano said, “Mr. Secretary, my question is, would you vote to enact the 25th Amendment?” he said.

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HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. and Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., got into a heated argument during a budget hearing over Kennedy’s past remarks about black children (CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Bill Clark/Getty Images)

The heated debate began with Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., over previous comments Kennedy made about Black children. It came a day after his fight with.

“Mr. Secretary, you have already admitted that you are not a board-certified physician and you have already admitted that you did not attend medical school. Have you ever re-parented or parented a black child?” Sewell said, referencing her appearance on the 2024 podcast.

As the two argued back and forth, Kennedy claimed that he never made these statements and refused to answer her question.

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The exchanges mark an example of growing conflict as Kennedy continues to face scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers.

Fox News Digital’s Elaine Mallon contributed to this report.