Democrats question Kennedy’s ethics agreement over vaccine lawsuit fees

During his confirmation process, Kennedy said he would transfer his financial interests in the cases to his adult son. His initial January 2025 disclosure allowed him to retain a 10% contingency fee in cases he referred to Wisner Baum, his former employer.

The senators want details of any agreement with Wisner Baum, saying future payments or rewards could raise a conflict of interest. The Hill reported that senators questioned whether Kennedy concealed an agreement to collect money from a settlement with a vaccine manufacturer. An HHS spokeswoman told the Associated Press that the department confirmed Kennedy’s compliance with his ethics agreement in May 2025 and said he had no financial interest in the litigation after taking office. The senators sent Kennedy a letter on Thursday seeking answers.