Following a close 52-48 Senate vote, largely split along party lines, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as the new Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary. The Oval Office ceremony, attended by his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, and his children, saw Kennedy take the oath of office administered by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.
Reflecting on his first Oval Office visit in 1962 with his uncle, then-President John F. Kennedy, to discuss environmental concerns, Kennedy shared his longstanding aspiration to combat childhood chronic diseases. He expressed gratitude towards President Trump for the opportunity to address this issue.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), a polio survivor and staunch vaccine advocate, was the sole Republican to oppose Kennedy's nomination. McConnell voiced his commitment to supporting proven vaccines and expressed concerns about revisiting established medical practices.
Kennedy, known for his controversial stances on vaccines, Big Pharma, and the food industry, intends to prioritize healthy lifestyles during his tenure. His plans include revising dietary guidelines, addressing ultra-processed foods, and tackling the root causes of chronic illnesses as part of his "Make America Healthy Again" initiative.
Despite previous criticisms of Kennedy as a "radical left liberal" during his independent presidential run, President Trump now welcomes him into his administration. Kennedy, who previously aligned with the Democratic party and frequently referenced his prominent family members, shifted his political affiliations in recent years, forging connections with right-wing figures, partly due to his vaccine skepticism. After ending his presidential campaign, Kennedy endorsed Trump.
