The Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Thursday as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), capping off a heated confirmation battle that saw near-unanimous Republican support and uniform Democratic opposition. The final vote stood at 52–48, with every Republican senator voting in favor except for Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who cited concerns over Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines.
Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and longtime advocate of the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement, will now oversee the massive $1.5 trillion HHS budget, which includes Medicare and Medicaid. His confirmation follows a bruising two-day hearing where senators from both parties scrutinized his policy positions, including his history of vaccine skepticism and stance on abortion rights.
A Contentious Road to Confirmation
Throughout his confirmation process, Kennedy faced sharp criticism from Democrats, who highlighted his past opposition to vaccines and accusations of spreading conspiracy theories. Meanwhile, some Republicans hesitated over his previous support for abortion access, though Kennedy assured them he would follow President Donald Trump’s directives on the issue.
Sen. McConnell, a childhood polio survivor, voiced strong objections to Kennedy’s nomination, calling his statements on vaccines “uninformed” and “dangerous.” His opposition was notable but ultimately symbolic, as the GOP-controlled Senate had enough votes to push Kennedy through.
A turning point in Kennedy’s confirmation came when Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician and chairman of the Senate Health Committee, threw his support behind Kennedy. Cassidy initially had reservations due to Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism but backed him after receiving assurances from Vice President JD Vance.
“He’s given me direct commitments on promoting vaccines and ensuring congressional oversight,” Cassidy said in a speech on the Senate floor.
Kennedy’s Stumbles on Healthcare Policy
Despite securing confirmation, Kennedy’s hearings exposed gaps in his knowledge of key healthcare policies. He struggled to accurately describe components of Medicare, incorrectly stating that Part A covers primary care when it primarily funds inpatient hospital services. These missteps fueled Democratic concerns that Kennedy was unprepared for the role.
“He is simply not qualified to run the largest public health agency in the country,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said. “His views on vaccines are dangerous, and his grasp of Medicare is alarmingly weak.”
Democrats staged an overnight protest on the Senate floor in a last-ditch effort to delay Kennedy’s confirmation, arguing that his leadership would undermine public health initiatives. However, Republicans remained united in advancing his nomination, viewing Kennedy as a reformer who would challenge the influence of pharmaceutical companies and the fast food industry—two major targets of his MAHA movement.
A Trump Ally Takes the Helm at HHS
Kennedy’s rise to HHS Secretary marks an unusual political journey. A longtime environmental advocate and former Democratic presidential candidate, he gained traction in 2024 as an independent before dropping out and endorsing Trump. His backing gave Trump a boost among independent and disaffected Democratic voters, solidifying Kennedy’s place in the administration.
Trump has made it clear that Kennedy will have little influence on environmental policy, but has encouraged him to take an aggressive approach to healthcare reform.
“He’s going to go wild on healthcare,” Trump said at a rally last month. “He’s going to shake things up.”
Now in charge of HHS, Kennedy faces a daunting task: overseeing federal healthcare programs that serve millions of Americans while navigating deep skepticism from both parties. His leadership will be closely watched, particularly on vaccine policy, an issue that remains a flashpoint in American politics.
