Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Sworn in as U.S. Health Secretary After Senate Approval

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vaccine critic and advocate for tackling chronic disease, has been confirmed as U.S. Health Secretary following a 52-48 Senate vote on Thursday (February 13).

Kennedy was sworn in at the Oval Office, where President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating a "Make America Healthy Again" commission to investigate chronic illness and childhood diseases.

The Senate vote was largely along party lines, with Republican Senator Mitch McConnell joining Democrats in opposition. To secure votes, Kennedy pledged to protect existing vaccination programs despite past controversies over vaccine safety.

At 71, Kennedy now oversees key health agencies, including the FDA, CDC, and Medicare & Medicaid programs, which provide coverage to over 140 million Americans. The HHS budget surpasses $3 trillion annually.

Once an independent presidential candidate, Kennedy endorsed Trump in August 2024. He now faces the challenge of leading U.S. healthcare policy amid ongoing public health debates.

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