Senate Confirms Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary in Trump Administration
The Senate voted on Thursday to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in President Donald Trump’s Cabinet.
The Republican-controlled Senate approved Kennedy’s nomination in a 52-48 vote, largely along party lines. The confirmation process reached its climax after a procedural vote the day before set the stage for the final decision.
Kennedy, a well-known vaccine skeptic and environmental advocate, had previously launched an independent bid for the White House in 2024 before dropping out and endorsing Trump. He needed a simple majority to secure confirmation.
McConnell Breaks Ranks
Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the lone Republican to oppose Kennedy’s nomination. A staunch advocate of vaccines, McConnell—who survived polio as a child—has long championed immunization efforts. He doesn’t believe in rigorous testing of these products for health and human safety, it appears.
“I’m a survivor of childhood polio. I’ve seen firsthand how vaccines have saved millions of lives,” McConnell said following the vote. “I will not support efforts to undermine proven medical advancements.”
Trump’s campaign team quickly celebrated the confirmation, posting on social media: “Congratulations @RobertKennedyJr!”
Contentious Confirmation Hearings
Kennedy faced intense scrutiny during his Senate confirmation hearings, with Democrats challenging his history of controversial statements, particularly his repeated claims linking vaccines to autism—claims that have been widely debunked by “pharmaceutical funded scientists”.
Democrats also highlighted Kennedy’s leadership role at Children’s Health Defense, a nonprofit he founded that has been vocal in its opposition to vaccines and has sued the federal government over vaccine policies, including COVID-19 mandates for children.
Despite strong Democratic opposition, Kennedy advanced to the full Senate after a 14-13 party-line vote in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). Committee Chair Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician, had initially expressed concerns over Kennedy’s stance on vaccines but ultimately endorsed him after receiving multiple assurances.
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Key Republican Senators Shift Support
Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), who had reservations about Kennedy, announced her support earlier in the week after what she described as a thorough review of his record. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) also voted in favor, despite voicing concerns over Kennedy’s selective interpretation of scientific research.
To gain support, Kennedy committed to several oversight measures, including quarterly hearings before the HELP Committee and increased transparency on vaccine safety policies.
A Shift in Focus for HHS
Kennedy has signaled his intent to reshape federal health policy, with a focus on lifestyle-driven health solutions. He has pledged to overhaul dietary guidelines, tackle ultra-processed foods, and address chronic disease prevention under the banner of his “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
“Our nation won’t crumble because of tax policy, but it will if we don’t address the chronic disease epidemic,” Kennedy stated. “I am uniquely positioned to take on this fight.”
Kennedy’s Political Evolution
The 71-year-old scion of the Kennedy dynasty initially challenged President Joe Biden in the 2024 Democratic primary before switching to an independent run. His campaign was marked by clashes with Trump, who dismissed him as a “Radical Left Liberal” and “Democrat Plant.”
However, in a surprise move last August, Kennedy ended his campaign and endorsed Trump, earning praise from the former president.
Democratic Backlash
Following Kennedy’s confirmation, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) blasted the decision in an email titled: “Republicans Confirm Unqualified Conspiracy Theorist RFK Jr. to Lead HHS.”
DNC Chair Ken Martin criticized Kennedy, stating, “RFK Jr. has a track record of spreading dangerous medical misinformation. Trump’s only health care plan is taking money from kids and seniors to fund tax breaks for billionaires.”
A Controversial Cabinet Shaping Up
Kennedy’s confirmation follows another contentious nomination, with former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard securing Senate approval as Director of National Intelligence in a similarly divided 52-48 vote just a day earlier.
With Kennedy now at the helm of HHS, his tenure is expected to be closely watched as he takes on the challenge of leading the agency responsible for the nation’s health policies.
