Robert F Kennedy Jr., one of Donald Trump’s most debated cabinet choices, has officially been sworn in as US Health and Human Services Secretary. RFK Jr now oversees major health agencies with around 80,000 staff and a budget of over $1 trillion.
His confirmation raised concerns among many lawmakers due to his controversial views on vaccines and health issues.
The Senate confirmed Robert F Kennedy on Thursday with a 52-48 vote. Not a single Democrat supported him, and Mitch McConnell was the only Republican to vote against his confirmation.
President Trump personally administered the oath in the Oval Office, marking another step in reshaping his administration. The Senate is working overtime to finalize Trump’s cabinet, also approving Brooke Rollins as Secretary of Agriculture with a 72-28 vote on the same day.
Kennedy is the second polarizing figure confirmed this week, following Tulsi Gabbard’s narrow approval as Director of National Intelligence.
As Secretary, Kennedy will oversee agencies like the CDC, FDA, NIH, and Medicare and Medicaid programs. He is also responsible for public health, food safety, and the pharmaceutical sector. A former independent presidential candidate in 2024, Kennedy withdrew to support Trump.
Robert F Kennedy Sworn at the Oval Office
Kennedy’s appointment faced opposition from Republicans and Democrats alike. Critics pointed to his past vaccine statements, his work with groups spreading unproven health claims, and his stance on abortion. Kennedy founded the Children’s Health Defense, known for questioning the safety of vaccines and promoting discredited links between vaccines and autism.
Kennedy has denied being anti-vaccine, noting that his children are vaccinated. He emphasized, during his hearings, his push for stricter vaccine studies and better safety protocols. Some Republicans praised him for his focus on food safety and holding pharmaceutical companies accountable.
Throughout the hearings, Kennedy faced intense questioning about his views on health, his understanding of the US healthcare system, and his past comments on abortion. While he previously supported abortion rights, Kennedy told lawmakers he now agrees with Trump’s stance that abortion laws should be decided by individual states.
One hearing was interrupted by protesters, but Kennedy also received applause when promising to “make America healthy again,” echoing Trump’s slogan.
Caroline Kennedy, Robert’s cousin, publicly urged senators to reject his nomination, arguing his vaccine stance disqualified him for the role. However, her appeal didn’t sway key Republicans, including Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor and chair of the Senate Health Committee, who ultimately voted to confirm Kennedy despite his earlier reservations.
Cassidy expressed optimism, saying, “We need to make America healthy again, and I believe Secretary Kennedy can achieve this.”
On the other hand, Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor and long-time critic of Kennedy, voted against confirmation. McConnell warned against undermining trust in vaccines, stating, “Leading public health efforts requires a commitment to science, not conspiracy theories.”
The Senate continues its work on Trump’s nominees. Next in line are Howard Lutnick for Secretary of Commerce and Kash Patel for FBI Director, both expected to face contentious votes. Linda McMahon, Trump’s pick for Education Secretary, also had her confirmation hearing on Thursday.
