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3mo ago

RFK Jr. Confirmed as Health Secretary, Raising Concerns Over Vaccine Skepticism and Policy Direction

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine critic, assumes control of the Health and Human Services Department following a narrow Senate vote, promising to overhaul public health priorities.

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Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch swears in Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of Health and Human Services at the White House on Feb. 13, 2025. With Kennedy is his wife, actress Cheryl Hines.
FILE - Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President Trump's nominee to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services testifies during a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions hearing for his pending confirmation on Capitol Hill, Jan. 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File)
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Overview

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his controversial views on vaccines and chemicals, has been confirmed as U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary in a 52-48 Senate vote, with all Democrats opposing and one Republican dissenting.
  • Kennedy has pledged to focus on addressing chronic diseases, reforming food programs, and increasing transparency in health policies, while maintaining that vaccines will remain available but under stricter scrutiny.
  • Critics, including public health experts and organizations, have raised alarms over Kennedy's history of promoting vaccine misinformation and his potential to weaken scientific consensus in health policy decisions.
  • Kennedy has announced plans to reform federal health agencies, including the NIH, FDA, and CDC, suggesting potential staffing overhauls and changes to research funding priorities.
  • Supporters argue Kennedy’s appointment brings a disruptive perspective to longstanding health challenges, though his critics fear his leadership could undermine public trust in science and health systems.