Senate approves RFK Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.

 

Senate Confirms RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary





The Senate voted 52-48 on Thursday to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, delivering a win for President Donald Trump. Kennedy's nomination faced fierce scrutiny due to his controversial views on vaccines and public health policy.

The vote largely followed party lines, though Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky joined Democrats in opposition. McConnell, who has now opposed three of Trump’s Cabinet nominees, cited his experience as a childhood polio survivor in explaining his vote.


“This administration—led by the same president who delivered a medical miracle with Project Warp Speed—deserves a leader who fully acknowledges the efficacy of life-saving vaccines,” McConnell said. “Mr. Kennedy failed to prove he is the best person to lead America’s largest health agency.”


 

A Contentious Confirmation Process

Kennedy’s nomination was one of several that tested Trump’s influence over the Senate GOP. Alongside Kennedy, Pete Hegseth was confirmed as Secretary of Defense, and Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, despite concerns about their qualifications and policy positions.

During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy pushed back against accusations that he is anti-vaccine, insisting he is “pro-safety” and supports the role of vaccines in healthcare. However, his past statements—many of which have been widely debunked—fueled concerns among public health experts and lawmakers.



When Sen. Bernie Sanders asked if he agreed that vaccines do not cause autism, citing extensive scientific research, Kennedy responded, “If you show me those studies, I will absolutely—” before Sanders interrupted, saying, “That is a very troubling response because the studies are there.”



Kennedy also struggled with questions about Medicare and Medicaid, incorrectly describing key aspects of both programs, which raised further concerns among Democrats about his ability to oversee an agency responsible for healthcare coverage for more than 150 million Americans.



Trump’s Influence Over GOP Senators

Despite skepticism from some Republican senators, the Trump administration successfully rallied support for Kennedy’s confirmation. Senate votes on Trump’s nominees have largely followed party lines, minimizing dissent as the administration works to reshape federal leadership.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican and physician, initially expressed doubts about Kennedy but later voted in favor after what he described as “intense conversations” with the White House. GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski also backed Kennedy, acknowledging her concerns over his vaccine views but stating that he had assured her he would base recommendations on “data-driven, evidence-based research.”



A Key Role in Federal Healthcare

As Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kennedy will oversee major federal health agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Kennedy, who launched a presidential bid in 2024 before endorsing Trump, has long advocated for overhauling public health policies, including vaccine research and environmental regulations. His confirmation signals the Trump administration’s determination to install allies in top government positions despite significant opposition.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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