• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been confirmed as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary in a 52-48 Senate vote, despite opposition over his vaccine stance.
  • His nomination faced sharp criticism from both parties, with concerns over his past statements on public health and vaccine safety.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been sworn in as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) following a contentious confirmation process. The former presidential candidate assumes leadership of a department overseeing critical health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Kennedy’s confirmation was secured in a 52-48 Senate vote on Thursday, with all Democrats opposing his nomination. Notably, former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the only Republican to vote against him.

Kennedy’s appointment has drawn scrutiny due to his past statements on vaccines and public health. A longtime critic of vaccine mandates, Kennedy founded Children’s Health Defense, an organization known for challenging vaccine safety. Although he has denied being anti-vaccine, his stance has raised concerns among both parties.

During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy defended his position, arguing for more rigorous vaccine safety studies. He also addressed questions about his stance on abortion, stating he agrees with President Trump that abortion access should be determined by individual states.

The hearings were marked by protests and sharp questioning from lawmakers, particularly regarding Kennedy’s history of promoting health-related misinformation. His nomination faced opposition from some members of his own family, including his cousin Caroline Kennedy, who publicly urged senators to reject him.

Despite the controversy, Kennedy received support from key Republicans, including Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who chairs the Senate Health Committee. Cassidy, a physician, had expressed reservations about Kennedy’s vaccine views but ultimately voted in favor of his confirmation.

“We need to make America healthy again, and it is my expectation that Secretary Kennedy will get this done,” Cassidy stated after the vote.

McConnell, a polio survivor and longtime advocate for vaccinations, remained steadfast in his opposition. He criticized Kennedy’s record, warning against the spread of misinformation in public health policy.

“Individuals, parents, and families have a right to push for a healthier nation and demand the best possible scientific guidance on preventing and treating illness,” McConnell said in a statement.
“But a record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions does not entitle Mr. Kennedy to lead these important efforts.”

Kennedy is the second high-profile cabinet nominee to be confirmed this week, following the narrow approval of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. The Senate continues to process President Trump’s remaining cabinet picks, with upcoming votes expected on nominees for the Commerce Department, FBI, and Small Business Administration.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah