Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., faced backlash from conservatives after his questioning of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services (HHS). Whitehouse criticized Kennedy for his anti-vaccine stance, linking it to a recent measles case in Rhode Island. He urged Kennedy to publicly retract his vaccine views and support mandatory vaccinations.

Conservatives quickly took to social media to condemn Whitehouse’s remarks. Tony Kinnett criticized Whitehouse’s long monologue during the confirmation hearing, while other commentators, including John Podhortez and Dan McLaughlin, mocked his approach. Samantha Janney also made a controversial comment regarding Whitehouse’s past memberships.

Whitehouse’s office has not responded to requests for comment.