A contentious Senate confirmation put Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in control of America's largest health agency amid fierce opposition from both parties.
According to The US Sun, Kennedy secured his position as Secretary of Health and Human Services with a narrow 52-48 vote, prompting President Donald Trump to criticize Republican Senator Mitch McConnell for voting against the nomination.
The newly appointed health secretary immediately began his duties after being sworn in at the White House. Trump wasted no time establishing Kennedy's Make America Healthy Again Commission through an executive order, focusing on investigating the root causes of America's growing health crisis, particularly childhood chronic diseases.
The confirmation process exposed significant rifts within both major political parties. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer delivered an impassioned speech before the final vote, expressing serious concerns about Kennedy's qualifications.
Several protesters disrupted the confirmation hearing, with two individuals wearing medical scrubs being removed from the Capitol building.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, initially uncertain about supporting Kennedy, ultimately voted in favor after what he described as "tense conversations" with both Kennedy and the White House. The discussions took place over the weekend and continued until the eve of the committee's vote.
Kennedy's cousin, Caroline Kennedy, attempted to derail the nomination by sending a critical letter to lawmakers. The former ambassador to Australia under President Joe Biden warned senators about what she considered dangerous and misinformed views held by her relative.
As the new health secretary, Kennedy will oversee an expansive department commanding a $1.7 trillion budget and 80,000 employees. His appointment marks a significant departure from previous leadership approaches to healthcare management.
During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy addressed the Senate Finance Committee about his vision for the department. Trump responded to McConnell's opposition by suggesting it stemmed from personal grievances rather than concerns about Kennedy's qualifications:
I feel sorry for Mitch. He's not equipped mentally. He wasn't equipped 10 years ago mentally, he'd let the Republican Party go to hell. Mitch McConnell never really had it.
Kennedy defended his positions during the hearing, emphasizing his commitment to transparency:
In my advocacy, I often disturb the status quo by asking uncomfortable questions. Well, I'm not going to apologize for that. We have massive health problems in this country that we must face, honestly. And the first thing I've done every morning for the past 20 years is to get on my knees and pray to God that he would put me in a position to end the chronic disease epidemic and help America's children.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. assumed leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services following a contentious Senate confirmation process that highlighted deep political divisions.
His appointment, secured by a narrow margin of 52-48 votes, places him at the helm of a massive federal agency responsible for overseeing crucial healthcare programs and regulations.
The transition represents a significant shift in healthcare policy direction, with Kennedy's focus on investigating chronic diseases and promoting alternative approaches to public health. His confirmation, despite strong opposition from Democrats and some Republicans, demonstrates President Trump's continued influence in reshaping federal institutions according to his administration's vision.
