RFK Jr. Defends Trump's Mental Fitness in Heated Congressional Hearing

HHS Secretary clashes with Democratic lawmaker over president's stability and 25th Amendment concerns.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:35am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring the fragmented, overlapping image of President Trump's head in various poses, rendered in bold, clashing colors that convey a sense of political tension and instability.The heated exchange between HHS Secretary Kennedy and Rep. Takano exposes the deep partisan divisions over President Trump's mental fitness.Washington Today

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended comments about President Donald Trump's mental health following a tense exchange with Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) during a congressional hearing. Takano questioned Kennedy about Trump's recent social media posts and whether the president's behavior indicates mental instability, but Kennedy firmly rejected calls to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office.

Why it matters

The heated exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions and concerns over Trump's behavior and fitness for office, with Democrats pressing Kennedy to take action while the HHS secretary staunchly defends the president.

The details

During the hearing, Takano pointed to Trump's recent social media posts, including an AI-generated image that critics said depicted the president as Jesus Christ, as evidence that 'millions of Americans are questioning this president's mental fitness, his emotional stability, and whether he can carry out the duties of his office.' Takano demanded that Kennedy share those concerns and support invoking the 25th Amendment, but Kennedy firmly refused, stating that Trump is 'more sane and stable' than any previous president.

  • The heated exchange took place during a congressional hearing on Friday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, who is defending President Trump's mental fitness.

Rep. Mark Takano

A Democratic congressman from California who is questioning Trump's mental stability and calling for the 25th Amendment to be invoked.

President Donald Trump

The current president of the United States, whose recent social media behavior has raised concerns about his mental fitness.

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What they’re saying

“'Millions of Americans are now wondering if this president is delusional and thinks he is Jesus Christ. 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?'”

— Rep. Mark Takano, U.S. Congressman

“'Absolutely not.'”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

What’s next

The heated exchange between Kennedy and Takano is likely to continue fueling the ongoing political debate over Trump's mental fitness and the potential use of the 25th Amendment.

The takeaway

This clash highlights the deep partisan divisions over Trump's presidency, with Democrats pressing for action on his mental stability while Republicans, including Kennedy, staunchly defend the president's fitness for office.