RFK Jr Confirmed as HHS Secretary Amid Controversy Over Vaccine Views
After a highly anticipated vote, the Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary in President Donald Trump’s cabinet on Thursday morning.
In a 52-48 vote largely along party lines, Republicans supported Kennedy’s nomination, while Democrats opposed it. The confirmation capped several days of intense political battles, ultimately leading to his approval despite concerns over his past statements on vaccines and his controversial stance against vaccine mandates.
Kennedy, known for his vocal stance on vaccine safety, was confirmed after receiving a simple majority from the Republican-controlled Senate, Fox News reports. He had previously run for president in 2024 before dropping out and endorsing Trump.
However, his nomination faced significant challenges, particularly during Senate confirmation hearings late last month. His outspoken claims linking vaccines to autism—widely discredited by the scientific community—were key points of contention.
One of the most significant moments came during a party-line vote in the Senate Finance Committee. With Democrats refusing to advance Kennedy’s nomination, it was left to Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy (R), a physician, to offer crucial support.
Although Cassidy had expressed concern about Kennedy’s past vaccine comments, he eventually endorsed Kennedy, citing a list of commitments made by the nominee, including quarterly hearings before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.
Kennedy also pledged to provide advance notice and hearings for any changes related to vaccine safety reviews.
Cassidy said the commitments, along with his belief that they would foster a productive working relationship, were the basis of his support.
“These commitments, and my expectation that we can have a great working relationship to make America healthy again, is the basis of my support,” Cassidy stated, per Fox News.
Other Republicans, such as Maine Sen. Susan Collins, also signaled their support after extensive questioning of Kennedy. Despite concerns about his stance on vaccines, Collins ultimately backed Kennedy’s confirmation, highlighting his promises to collaborate with Congress and ensure vaccine policies are based on sound, evidence-driven science.
Similarly, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R), who had been hesitant about Kennedy’s nomination, announced her support after Kennedy made further commitments regarding transparency and data-driven vaccine policies.
Despite the support from within his party, Kennedy’s nomination was not without opposition. Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell (R), who had long been a proponent of vaccines, was the only Republican to vote against Kennedy’s confirmation.
McConnell, who contracted polio as a child, has been a staunch advocate for vaccines and voiced strong opposition to Kennedy’s views.
Kennedy has expressed a vision for the future of the HHS, aiming to overhaul the nation’s dietary guidelines and take a hard look at the root causes of chronic diseases. He has also pledged to shift the focus of the department toward promoting a healthier lifestyle, which includes addressing ultra-processed foods and improving public health.
“This country is not going to be destroyed because we get the marginal tax rate wrong,” Kennedy said during a speech. “It is going to be destroyed if we get this issue wrong.”
With the Senate’s confirmation, Kennedy will now oversee the HHS, a role that has significant influence over national health policy.
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