Overview

• The U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary with a 52-48 vote, reflecting deep divisions over his appointment.
• Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic and former Democrat, has faced criticism for spreading disproven claims about vaccine safety, including a debunked link to autism.
• Despite his controversial past, Kennedy assured senators during his confirmation hearing that he supports vaccines and called for stricter safety measures.
• Kennedy’s appointment has drawn sharp rebukes from scientists, including dozens of Nobel laureates, and even members of his own family, citing his lack of medical qualifications and history of misinformation.
• As Health Secretary, Kennedy will oversee a $1.7 trillion budget and 80,000 employees, with plans to focus on chronic disease prevention and systemic reforms in public health institutions.