What do Americans Think of RFK’s Job so Far?

Overall, 43% of U.S. adults strongly or somewhat disapprove of how U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is handling his job, while 36% strongly or somewhat approve, according to a recent survey from Pew Research.

Strong disapproval of Kennedy’s job performance also exceeds strong approval, Pew reported. Three-in-ten Americans strongly disapprove of how Kennedy is handling his job, while 16% strongly approve.

The Pew survey was conducted from April 28 to May 4, after Kennedy cut 10,000 jobs at U.S. health agencies, encouraged states to ban fluoride in drinking water, and sought to address a measles outbreak in Texas, among other actions.

But there are large differences by political party: 72% of Democrats disapprove of Kennedy’s job performance, while 66% of Republicans approve. Only 14% of Republicans disapprove of the job he is doing compared with 9% of Democrats who approve.

In both parties, Pew found people with more moderate ideological views are more likely to say they’re not sure how they feel about Kennedy’s performance.