In a controversial and closely watched vote, the GOP-controlled Senate has confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the next Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary. The 52-48 decision marks another victory for Trump, though it drew opposition from every Senate Democrat and even Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a childhood polio survivor.
McConnell criticized Kennedy’s long history of vaccine skepticism, saying he has a “record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions.” Despite his objections, Kennedy secured enough Republican support, including from Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)—all of whom said Kennedy reassured them he would not undermine vaccine policies.
Kennedy, a longtime environmental and health activist, will now oversee the $1.7 trillion HHS, which manages pandemic preparedness, vaccine development, and government-funded healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. His confirmation signals a dramatic shift in federal health policy, especially after he dropped his independent presidential bid to endorse Trump and campaign on his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
Despite securing the job, Kennedy remains a deeply polarizing figure. His past claims about vaccine safety—including linking vaccines to autism, a theory widely debunked by scientists—have made him a controversial choice to lead the country’s top health agency.
Democrats, including Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), expressed frustration, accusing Kennedy of “sowing doubt about settled science” and making it harder for the nation to move forward on public health initiatives.
