RFK Jr. Moves Closer to Senate Confirmation as Trump’s Health Secretary After Party-Line Vote

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on the verge of securing confirmation as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) after a 14-13 party-line vote by the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday. The full Senate is expected to hold a confirmation vote in the coming days.

Despite opposition from both Democrats and some Republicans, President Donald Trump has managed to push through his cabinet picks, with RFK Jr. being one of the most controversial selections. Kennedy, a former environmental advocate turned anti-vaccine activist, has built a strong following but remains a divisive figure.

Senator Cassidy Casts Key Vote for RFK Jr.

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a physician, was seen as a crucial swing vote. During hearings, Cassidy raised concerns over Kennedy’s stance on vaccines, citing patients who suffered health consequences due to being unvaccinated. However, after discussions with the Trump administration and Vice President J.D. Vance, Cassidy ultimately voted in favor of Kennedy.

“I’ve had very intense conversations with Bobby and the White House,” Cassidy wrote on social media. “I decided to support RFK Jr. after commitments from the administration and the opportunity to make progress on issues like healthy foods and a pro-American agenda.”

Divided Reactions and Strong Opposition

RFK Jr.'s nomination has sparked backlash from multiple sides. Democratic senators, including his former classmate Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), opposed his confirmation.

Kennedy faced additional criticism from health professionals, scientists, and advocacy groups. The left-leaning group Protect Our Care launched a campaign labeling him an anti-vaccine extremist, while conservative organizations, including former Vice President Mike Pence’s Advancing American Freedom, opposed him for his past pro-choice stance.

Even members of his own Kennedy family spoke out. His cousin Caroline Kennedy sent a scathing letter to the Senate, criticizing him and calling his past actions “disturbing.”

Kennedy’s Vision for Health and Vaccine Policies

During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy reiterated his skepticism of vaccines, insisting he is “pro-safety” and would reconsider his stance if presented with data proving vaccine efficacy. However, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) called his suggestion for a different vaccine schedule for Black Americans “dangerous.”

Kennedy also doubled down on unproven health claims, including the idea that Wi-Fi causes cancer and that AIDS presents differently in Africa than in the U.S.

Financial Conflicts of Interest

A major point of contention was Kennedy’s financial ties to vaccine litigation. As someone who has profited from lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers, critics raised concerns about conflicts of interest if he oversees agencies regulating those companies. Kennedy responded by saying he would transfer those interests to his son to avoid ethical concerns.

A New Chapter: RFK Jr.’s Alliance with Trump

Kennedy ended his Independent presidential bid in August 2024 and threw his support behind Trump. In exchange, Trump promised Kennedy control over healthcare policies, allowing him to pursue his “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda.

Kennedy has argued that health standards have declined since his childhood and has vowed to reshape national health policies if confirmed. With strong Republican backing and a committed base, Kennedy appears one step closer to becoming Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services.

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