RFK Jr blocks push to question Trump's mental fitness: 'There hasn't been a more sane president'

WASHINGTON, DC: A congressional hearing on Friday, April 17, turned contentious as Rep Mark Takano questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr about President Donald Trump’s mental fitness.

The exchange, held before the House Education and Workforce Committee, focused on Trump’s recent social media posts and public statements.

Takano pressed Kennedy on whether the president should undergo a mental health evaluation. Kennedy firmly rejected the suggestion, leading to a heated back-and-forth between the two.

Mark Takano presses RFK Jr on POTUS' mental fitness

During the hearing, Takano raised concerns about Trump’s conduct, citing several recent posts and remarks.

Displaying large posters of the president’s Truth Social messages, he pointed to statements referencing the destruction of a “whole civilization,” criticism of Pope Leo XIV, and an AI-generated image depicting Trump as a Jesus-like figure. 

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

Takano continued his line of questioning, emphasizing the importance of leadership stability.

“We need a commander in chief that we know has full command of his mental faculties and is emotionally stable,” he said. 

“Mr secretary, given everything that I’ve shown you today, will you insist that President Trump undergo an assessment of his mental fitness and his emotional stability?”

“Absolutely not,” Kennedy replied. Takano then asked whether Kennedy would ever support invoking the 25th Amendment if Trump were found unfit to serve.

Kennedy declined, stating, “There hasn’t been a president who is more sane.” The California lawmaker responded by accusing Kennedy of prioritizing political loyalty over constitutional responsibility.

Takano also referenced an earlier Trump post that included explicit language, asking whether such rhetoric raised concerns. Kennedy defended the president’s communication style, saying, “The president is a bargainer, and he knows how to make good deals.”

RFK Jr defends the president's conduct

The exchange expanded into a broader confrontation among lawmakers, with additional Democrats pressing concerns about President Trump’s rhetoric and conduct.

Kennedy reiterated his stance, stating, “He’s very, very sane,” while framing the president’s statements as part of a negotiating approach.

Addressing criticism of Trump’s remark about a “whole civilization,” Kennedy said it should be interpreted in context, noting the president had also stated, “God Bless the Great People of Iran!”

He described the messaging as deliberate, adding, “You can look at it and say, ‘Oh, it’s insane that he’d make this kind of threat’, but he’s a deal maker, he’s a bargainer.”

Takano maintained his criticism, arguing the remarks raised serious concerns about leadership.

“Mr secretary, we could all see that this president is mentally unstable and emotionally unstable and is unfit to lead this country,” he said. 

“You, as the nation’s top health official, have a particular role here, and you are choosing your loyalty to Donald Trump over your loyalty to the Constitution,” he added. 

The discussion also revisited the 25th Amendment, which provides a mechanism for removing a president deemed unable to carry out official duties.