Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been appointed as the Health Secretary under President Donald Trump following a narrow Senate vote of 52-48. This decision positions Kennedy, a noted vaccine sceptic, in charge of significant federal health budgets and policies affecting nearly half of the US population. While most Republicans supported his appointment, Democrats were unanimously against it. The only dissenting Republican was Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who, reflecting on his own polio experience, expressed concern over Kennedy’s vaccine views.
Kennedy’s initial plans include enhanced monitoring of vaccine side effects and a focus on addressing chronic diseases like obesity. He aims to restore confidence in the public health agencies, such as the FDA and CDC. However, his appointment has raised eyebrows due to his controversial views and previous financial interests linked to vaccine litigation.
During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy faced pressure to denounce debunked claims linking vaccines to autism, with concerns voiced about potential conflicts of interest. As he steps into this role amidst significant government upheaval, he has vowed to initiate a staffing overhaul within health agencies and to adhere to existing vaccine guidelines while striving to reduce healthcare costs and improve public health.