Senate Confirms RFK Jr. as Health and Human Services Secretary.
In a closely contested vote, the Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services on Thursday, February 13, 2025. The final vote was 52-48, with most Republicans supporting Kennedy and most Democrats opposing him. This marks a significant development in the Trump administration, as Kennedy is known for his anti-vaccine activism and environmental advocacy.
Kennedy, a member of the prominent Kennedy family, managed to allay concerns from several key Republican senators by promising to maintain vaccine advisory committees and base recommendations on sound research. Despite his controversial past statements on vaccines, Kennedy reassured lawmakers that he supported vaccines and was not “anti-vaccine” but rather “pro-safety”. This shift in stance helped him secure the necessary votes for confirmation.
The confirmation of Kennedy, who has no experience in health administration or medicine, has raised eyebrows among public health experts and medical professionals. As the head of the Department of Health and Human Services, Kennedy will oversee agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). His role will be crucial in shaping the nation’s health policies and pandemic preparedness.
President Donald Trump, who embraced Kennedy on the campaign trail, praised the confirmation and expressed confidence in Kennedy’s ability to lead the agency. Trump’s administration has faced criticism for its handling of public health issues, and Kennedy’s appointment is seen as an attempt to address these concerns.
Despite the controversy surrounding his nomination, Kennedy’s confirmation was supported by several Republican senators who were persuaded by his commitments to uphold scientific integrity and public health. However, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor, was the sole Republican to vote against Kennedy, citing concerns about his past statements and their potential impact on public trust in health institutions.
As Kennedy takes office, the nation will be watching closely to see how he navigates the challenges of leading one of the largest health agencies in the world. His tenure will be marked by efforts to address chronic diseases, regulate the food industry, and restore trust in public health institutions.
