At the end of August 2024, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his support of Donald Trump as the Republican candidate, was confirmed by the United States Senate as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, despite opposition from some Democrats due to his previous statements about vaccines.
The Senate approved his nomination with 52 votes in favor and 48 against, largely reflecting partisan positions. Mitch McConnell, former Republican majority leader, was the only Republican who voted against Kennedy. Despite his history of opposition to vaccines, Kennedy stated during the confirmation hearings that he is not anti-vaccine and highlighted his support for certain vaccines, such as the polio vaccine.
Kennedy secured confirmation due to promises he made to Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician and chairman of the Senate health committee, including a guarantee that he would not interfere with current vaccine policy. However, some sectors remain concerned that Kennedy may hinder vaccination efforts as Secretary of Health.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nephew of former President John F. Kennedy and son of former Attorney General Robert Kennedy, rose to fame first as an environmental attorney and later as a prominent vaccine critic. He initially considered running as a Democratic candidate in the party's primaries.
