On February 13, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) with a 52-48 vote. All Republican senators supported the nomination, except for Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who, as a polio survivor, has been a strong advocate for vaccines.
Kennedy, 71, is the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy and the son of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. He has been a prominent environmental lawyer and author, but in recent years, he has gained attention for his skepticism toward vaccines. During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy denied being anti-vaccine, asserting that he is “pro-safety” and emphasizing the need for rigorous testing. He also pledged to divest his financial interests in vaccine-related lawsuits to avoid conflicts of interest.
The nomination faced significant opposition from Senate Democrats and public health experts due to Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines and public health. Despite this, he secured confirmation after intensive discussions with key Republican senators, including Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a physician who had expressed reservations but ultimately supported Kennedy following assurances from the administration.
As the head of HHS, Kennedy will oversee agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), managing a budget exceeding $1 trillion. He has expressed intentions to address issues like chronic diseases and to eliminate financial conflicts of interest within federal health agencies. However, his appointment has raised concerns among public health professionals about the potential impact on vaccine policies and public health initiatives.
Kennedy’s confirmation reflects the ongoing debates within the U.S. regarding public health policies and the balance between safety and innovation in healthcare. His tenure is anticipated to bring significant changes to the nation’s health landscape.