The Senate has approved Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy's confirmation ignites debate due to his skepticism about vaccines and resistance from his family.
On February 13, 2025, the United States Senate voted 52-48 to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The vote largely reflected party lines, with all Democrats and one Republican, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, opposing the nomination due to Kennedy’s previous comments regarding vaccine safety.
Kennedy, 71, is an environmental attorney and a prominent critic of vaccines, having led the nonprofit Children’s Health Defense, which has challenged vaccine policies and advocated for alternative health viewpoints.
His nomination, put forth by President Donald Trump, encountered considerable resistance from public health experts and even some members of his own family.
During the confirmation hearings, Kennedy reassured lawmakers that he would follow evidence-based health policies and committed to holding regular oversight meetings with the Senate.
Nevertheless, concerns lingered regarding his history of disseminating medical misinformation.
Opposition within his family was pronounced, with his cousin, U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, labeling him a 'predator' and publicly condemning his appointment.
Other relatives in the Kennedy family also distanced themselves from his views on public health.
As HHS Secretary, Kennedy will manage agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), playing a pivotal role in shaping health policy in the United States.
His leadership is anticipated to impact federal health initiatives and vaccine programs amidst a backdrop of ongoing public discourse.
The vote largely reflected party lines, with all Democrats and one Republican, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, opposing the nomination due to Kennedy’s previous comments regarding vaccine safety.
Kennedy, 71, is an environmental attorney and a prominent critic of vaccines, having led the nonprofit Children’s Health Defense, which has challenged vaccine policies and advocated for alternative health viewpoints.
His nomination, put forth by President Donald Trump, encountered considerable resistance from public health experts and even some members of his own family.
During the confirmation hearings, Kennedy reassured lawmakers that he would follow evidence-based health policies and committed to holding regular oversight meetings with the Senate.
Nevertheless, concerns lingered regarding his history of disseminating medical misinformation.
Opposition within his family was pronounced, with his cousin, U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, labeling him a 'predator' and publicly condemning his appointment.
Other relatives in the Kennedy family also distanced themselves from his views on public health.
As HHS Secretary, Kennedy will manage agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), playing a pivotal role in shaping health policy in the United States.
His leadership is anticipated to impact federal health initiatives and vaccine programs amidst a backdrop of ongoing public discourse.
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