A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointments to a presidential commission on vaccine safety. The order was granted on March 16, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta, an appointee of President Joe Biden.
The legal challenge was filed by the Department of Justice, arguing that Kennedy, as an independent presidential candidate, lacked the authority to make appointments to a federal advisory commission established by executive order. The commission was created by President Biden earlier this month to review vaccine safety protocols.
Judge Mehta's ruling halts the participation of Kennedy's three appointees until a full hearing can be held. The judge stated the government demonstrated a likelihood of success on its claim that the appointment power rests solely with the sitting president.
The decision represents a significant legal setback for Kennedy's effort to influence federal health policy through the commission. A follow-up court hearing is scheduled for early April to consider a preliminary injunction.
