Senate confirms RFK Jr. as health and human services secretary

The vote largely followed party lines, though Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky joined Democrats in opposing the nomination. McConnell’s opposition to Kennedy marks the third time he has voted against one of Trump’s Cabinet picks, more than any other Republican senator. His stance highlights ongoing divisions within the GOP, particularly on public health issues, where McConnell has remained a strong advocate for vaccines.

McConnell, a childhood polio survivor, explained his vote by citing concerns about Kennedy’s position on vaccines. He argued that the administration, which played a crucial role in accelerating COVID-19 vaccine development through Operation Warp Speed, deserves a leader who unequivocally supports life-saving immunizations. Kennedy, in his confirmation hearings, insisted he is not anti-vaccine but instead “pro-safety.” He emphasized that vaccines play a critical role in healthcare, though his past activism and statements have repeatedly drawn criticism for spreading misinformation about their safety and efficacy.

During his Senate hearings, Kennedy struggled to answer direct questions about vaccine safety. When pressed by Senator Bernie Sanders on whether he accepted the overwhelming scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause autism, Kennedy hesitated, prompting Sanders to criticize his response. Kennedy’s record as a vaccine skeptic has been well documented, and public health officials have long warned that his rhetoric undermines confidence in immunization programs that have saved millions of lives.

Beyond vaccines, Kennedy also made factual errors regarding the structure and funding of Medicare and Medicaid. He mischaracterized Medicare Part A as covering primary care when it actually covers hospital services, failed to acknowledge the role of private insurers in Medicare Advantage plans, and incorrectly stated that Medicare is funded solely by employer taxes. His description of Medicaid as fully federally funded was also inaccurate, as the program operates through a partnership between the federal government and individual states. These misstatements raised concerns among Senate Democrats about his ability to manage the nation’s largest healthcare agency, which oversees programs that provide health coverage to more than 150 million Americans.

Kennedy’s confirmation represents a significant political shift, given his history as an independent presidential candidate in the 2024 election. Initially challenging Joe Biden as a Democrat before switching to an independent bid, he focused his campaign on issues like chronic disease, food safety, and holistic medicine. Toward the end of the race, he met with Trump multiple times to discuss a potential role in the administration, ultimately endorsing Trump and suspending his campaign.

The confirmation of Kennedy, along with other controversial nominees like Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, underscores Trump’s strong influence over Senate Republicans. The White House strategically worked to secure votes, with Trump personally lobbying senators, Vice President JD Vance engaging in direct discussions, and nominees making assurances to address lawmakers’ concerns.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician from Louisiana, initially expressed hesitation about Kennedy but ultimately voted in favor of confirmation. He credited extensive conversations with the White House and assurances from Kennedy himself for his decision. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska also supported the nomination, despite voicing concerns about Kennedy’s vaccine views. She cited his commitment to basing vaccine policy on data-driven, evidence-based research as a key factor in her decision.

As the new head of Health and Human Services, Kennedy will oversee an agency responsible for a broad range of public health programs, including the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. His leadership will be closely watched, particularly in areas where his past views conflict with established scientific consensus and federal healthcare policies.

Kennedy’s confirmation signals a shift in the Trump administration’s approach to public health, with expectations that HHS will take on a more aggressive stance on issues like regulatory oversight, vaccine policy, and alternative medicine. His tenure will likely be marked by continued scrutiny from public health officials, lawmakers, and advocacy groups concerned about the future direction of federal healthcare policy.