Kennedy, known for his controversial views, will oversee a major federal health agency, raising questions from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers regarding his capacity to lead and manage public health directives.
RFK Jr Takes Office as US Health and Human Services Secretary Amid Controversy
RFK Jr Takes Office as US Health and Human Services Secretary Amid Controversy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been sworn in as the new US Health and Human Services Secretary, despite bipartisan concerns over his health claims and vaccine skepticism.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially assumed the role of US Health and Human Services Secretary following a contentious Senate confirmation vote that ended with a slim 52-48 margin. His controversial views, particularly regarding vaccinations and health misinformation, prompted skepticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum, leading all Senate Democrats to oppose his nomination. The sole Republican against him was former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Kennedy’s swearing-in ceremony, conducted by President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, marks a significant component of Trump’s ongoing efforts to reshape his administration, with Kennedy now charged with managing a $1 trillion budget and approximately 80,000 employees across major health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The controversy surrounding Kennedy stems from his past affiliation with the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense. Critics argue that his historical remarks regarding vaccination safety and efficacy, including his unsubstantiated claims linking vaccines to autism, disqualify him from such a crucial public health role. Kennedy, however, maintains that he is not anti-vaccine, emphasizing his support for enhanced safety studies and testing for vaccines.
During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy faced sharp inquiries regarding his stance on various health issues, including abortion rights. He expressed alignment with Trump's view that abortion decisions should be made at the state level, which led some to criticize him for compromising his previously held pro-choice positions for political gain.
The hearing was marked by vocal protests, alongside moments of applause when Kennedy highlighted his vision for improving public health under his leadership—a reference to Trump's slogan of making America healthy again. Prominent figures, including Kennedy's cousin Caroline, publicly opposed his nomination, fearing that his vaccine views render him unfit for leading health policy in the nation.
Despite concerns voiced by some Republicans, including Cassidy, who had reservations about Kennedy's vaccine stance, a number ultimately fell in line to support the nomination. Meanwhile, President Trump's cabinet confirmations are expected to continue with other controversial nominees, such as Howard Lutnick for Secretary of Commerce and Kash Patel for the FBI, raising anticipation about the future direction of health policy and other governmental functions under this newly appointed leadership.
