Federalist Society’s Leonard Leo Works with Pence to Block RFK Jr Nomination

Last Updated on January 28, 2025

Federalist Society co-chair, Leonard Leo, has come under fire after it was discovered that he’s been working with a Mike Pence-founded org, aimed at blocking the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy for health secretary.

Leonard Leo

A report disclosed on Wednesday that Leo’s PR firm, CRC Advisors, is collaborating with a political advocacy group established by ex-VP Mike Pence. Their objective is to persuade GOP senators not to approve Kennedy as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. CRC Advisors is actively promoting the campaign initiated by Pence’s organization, known as Advancing American Freedom, with a significant financial investment.

Mike Pence, the former Vice President during Trump’s initial term, is notably recognized for his rift with the President regarding the validation of the contentious 2020 election results.

POLITICO Pro published an article confirming Leo’s involvement in this initiative, shedding light on his associations with the pharmaceutical industry.

The CRC employee’s 2020 resume file lists another corporate client: pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly. Like its competitors, the drugmaker has faced scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers for jacking up the price of insulin products that diabetics need to live.  While Lilly announced a price cut last year, the Los Angeles Times noted that the new price was “still higher by two-thirds than what it should be,” and the company could actually end up collecting higher profits.

Robert F. Kennedy, who mainstream media has labelled “anti-vax”, has been vocal about his skepticism of vaccines and the use of vaccine mandates.  Kennedy has also expressed a desire to “devote half of research budgets … toward preventive, alternative and holistic approaches to health.”  Additionally, Kennedy has been an outspoken opponent of the multi-billion-dollar a year “direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising” industry, which he believes should be banned.

Pence’s AAF has fought to sway senators from supporting Kennedy’s confirmation, primarily by focusing on his past support for abortion; a legal issue that is determined by the courts at the state level – not HHS. Both sides of the aisle, however, oppose Kennedy’s views on vaccines; given the power the pharmaceutical lobby has in Washington.

On Sunday, Kennedy’s former running mate, Nicole Shanahan, took to X, calling out Leo’s firm for its collaboration with Pence’s AAF.  The post, which included screenshots of the POLITICO Pro article, has received 3.7 million views as of the writing of this article.

“Why is a “conservative” PR firm spending hundreds of thousands of $ to try to sink RFK’s nomination? Could it be because they’re also pocketing millions from Big Pharma and super PACs that supported Nikki Haley’s campaign against Trump? This is the precise corruption the American public voted against in November,” Shanahan wrote in her post.

The POLITICO Pro article also highlighted Leo’s involvement with the Koch network’s political advocacy arm, Americans for Prosperity – and their history of opposition to President Trump’s agenda.

AFP’s super PAC spent more than $40 million supporting former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s failed Republican primary campaign against Trump this election cycle.

Given Leonard Leo’s questionable involvement with anti-Trump elements of the establishment Republican party, and his business connections to Big Pharma, whether his influence is enough to block Kennedy’s nomination is yet to be seen.

You May Also Like
Testimony to resume in #MeToo rape retrial for Harvey Weinstein in Manhattan

Witnesses will continue giving evidence in the new trial of Harvey Weinstein in Manhattan regarding #MeToo rape allegations.

In New York, the #MeToo retrial of Harvey Weinstein began, presenting a…
Scammers using new enhanced phishing emails with malicious links to hack victims, security experts tell ABC7 I-Team

Security experts inform ABC7 I-Team about scammers employing improved phishing emails with harmful links to compromise targets.

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated in their approach by sending out increasingly…
Is ‘The Woman in the Yard’ Horror Movie Streaming on Netflix or Amazon Prime?

Decoding the Ending of ‘The Woman in the Yard’: What Decision Does Danielle Deadwyler’s Character Make?

The movie The Woman in the Yard may have a small scale…
Virginia police officers shot during traffic stop near popular shopping center; suspect arrested

Police officers in Virginia shot during traffic stop near busy shopping center; suspect taken into custody

Two police officers are in the hospital after exchanging gunfire with a…
The sun as you've NEVER seen it: Scientists reveal the most detailed photo of our home star yet

Scientists Unveil Most Detailed Photo Ever of the Sun

It’s the super-hot, churning ball of plasma whose surface reaches temperatures of…
TikTok star Dominique McShain dead at 21 after year-long battle with incurable colon cancer

21-year-old TikTok influencer Dominique McShain passes away after fighting colon cancer for a year without a cure

TikTok star Dominique McShain has died aged just 21 after a year-long…
Love of Subarus is what makes this man's car collection so unique

“The Unique Car Collection of a Subaru Enthusiast”

NEW YORK — The New York International Auto Show is packed with…
Violent suspected MS-13 gang member with long rap sheet arrested after year on the run: police

Police Capture Suspected MS-13 Gang Member with Extensive Criminal History After Year on the Run

A suspected MS-13 gang member with a violent criminal history has been…
New England serial killer fears heighten after eighth idyllic town rocked by gruesome discovery

“8th Idyllic Town in New England Shocked by Gruesome Discovery – Serial Killer Fears Increase”

Massachusetts authorities are investigating the death of a woman found unresponsive off…
The Evening Docket (April 21, 2025) - It's a Doozy

What’s Happening Tonight? (April 23, 2025)

Yet another day brings a series of updates in the court battles…
Climate activist vandalizes presidential insignia inside Trump Tower: 'Ruining the planet for profit'

Environmental advocate defaces presidential emblem in Trump Tower, calling out exploitation of resources.

A climate protester was seen spray-painting “USA” over a presidential plaque inside…
Tim Walz Posts Another Nasty Attack on Elon, But Gets Tripped Up by His Own Words

Tim Walz makes another negative comment about Elon Musk, but faces challenges due to his own statements

Media just can’t stop with the fake news and the misleading stories. …