The U.S. Senate voted 52-48 to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Thursday, February 13, 2025. This confirmation marks a significant milestone in Kennedy’s political career and a controversial choice for the nation’s top health official. Kennedy, 71, is a longtime environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine activist who initially sought the Democratic nomination for president in 2023 before switching to an independent bid and ultimately endorsing President Donald Trump. His appointment comes after weeks of intense scrutiny and debate surrounding his qualifications and past statements on vaccines and public health.
Background and Controversy
Kennedy brings, to some, a controversial background to the role of HHS Secretary. He is a longtime environmental lawyer and anti-vaccine activist who previously ran as an independent presidential candidate. His past statements about vaccines and public health have drawn significant criticism from medical professionals and public health experts.
Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement is poised to gain significant influence. The MAHA agenda focuses on combating chronic diseases, which are the leading cause of death in the United States and contribute to high healthcare costs.
Key aspects of the MAHA agenda include:
- Targeting the food and pharmaceutical industries, which Kennedy claims prioritize profits over public health.
- Revising dietary guidelines and reforming federal programs that subsidize ultra-processed foods.
- Addressing crop subsidies and potentially banning certain pesticides and chemicals.
- Promoting alternatives to drugs, including psychedelics, raw milk, and “clean foods”.
- Allowing Medicare and Medicaid to cover gym memberships and healthy food options.
- Removing ultra-processed foods from school lunches and federal food assistance programs.
- Banning direct-to-consumer advertising for prescription medications.
Potential Impact
As the new HHS Secretary, Kennedy will oversee a department with a budget of approximately $1.7 trillion. He has pledged to focus on addressing chronic diseases, promoting healthier food systems, and reducing environmental health risks. His appointment signals a potential significant shift in national health policy and approach to public health management.
Stakeholder Reactions
Medical associations and public health organizations have expressed mixed reactions to Kennedy’s confirmation. Yet, those who embrace health freedom applaud the confirmation. The confirmation represents a pivotal moment in U.S. healthcare leadership and will likely be closely watched by health professionals, policymakers, and the general public.
