News Today: RFK JR. Sworn in as HHS in Oval Office

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary in President Donald Trump's cabinet.

The Republican-controlled Senate voted 52-48 nearly entirely along party lines to confirm Kennedy. The final showdown over his controversial nomination was set in motion hours earlier, after another party line vote on Wednesday afternoon which started the clock ticking toward the confirmation roll call.

Kennedy, the well-known vaccine skeptic and environmental crusader who ran for the White House in 2024 before ending his bid and endorsing Trump, needed a simple majority to be confirmed by the Senate.

Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was the only Republican to vote against Kennedy's nomination. McConnell, the former longtime GOP Senate leader, suffered from polio as a child and is a major proponent of vaccines.

"I'm a survivor of childhood polio. In my lifetime, I've watched vaccines save millions of lives from devastating diseases across America and around the world. I will not condone the re-litigation of proven cures, and neither will millions of Americans who credit their survival and quality of life to scientific miracles," McConnell said after the Kennedy vote.

The president's political team, in a social media statement after the Senate vote, wrote, "Congratulations @RobertKennedyJr !"

Kennedy survived back-to-back combustible Senate confirmation hearings late last month, when Trump's nominee to lead 18 powerful federal agencies that oversee the nation's food and health faced plenty of verbal fireworks over past controversial comments, including his repeated claims in recent years linking vaccines to autism, which have been debunked by scientific research.

During the hearings, Democrats also spotlighted Kennedy's service for years as chair or chief legal counsel for Children's Health Defense, the nonprofit organization he founded that has advocated against vaccines and sued the federal government numerous times, including a challenge over the authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for children.

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[utepminers]

Congratulations to Mr Robert Kennedy Jr! 🇺🇸

[DelightfulPenguin-ytvl]

Congratulations RFK Jr. You have definitely earned this.
This man has truly been run through the ringer. Medicaid has been broken and it’s not fair that certain doctors choose not to accept it. ALL People deserve the same care regardless of insurance. My kids grew up on Medicaid not by choice. A lot of companies don’t hire full time employees and offer them ins. I was one of those people. I’m on Medicare now because I’m disabled. It’s no better. I can’t afford certain meds nor afford the copay for certain tests needed. My deductible is $6, 000. I hope things can be changed for the better for all people not just a few.

[carolineleavitt]

The Best History in the Making!! Congratulations

[RobinWaldron-hx]

Go Secretary Robert!!! God's Speed and Strength

[brian-ldvd]

Congratulations RFK Jr!!! You are a Beautiful Person!!! You deserve this Position because you are a great American!!!

[AlbertContla]

IT'S SO REFRESHING LISTENING TO THE MAN IN OFFICE NOW .

[genabalser]

Yaaaay! CONGRATULATIONS Secretary of Health RFK Jr! Woohooo!!!🎉❤️🤍💙🇺🇲

[Imurhuckleeberry]

Congratulations RFK, Jr, so happy you made it, been out here supported you all the way, would like for, Mr chairman answer some questions, I' have alot faith in you, so happy ❤

[share]

Love RFK. This congressman needs to SHUT UP

[jameskennedy]

Congratulations to a great man.that’s another win for America.

[Feeedom]

Finally RFK JR can join the Trump team now!!!

[emanriquez]

I am thrilled that RFK junior was confirmed as HHS Secretary! Under his leadership and President Trump’s, I truly believe that America will become healthy again and great again! I am so proud as an American to witness history in the making…

[EllaVader-fmfn]

I am so thankful that the GOP stepped up to vote competent, compassionate RFK Jr in as HHS! There is much reason to hope for a healthy future for our children & grandchildren because of this confirmation! I was happy to see so many in his family there, as well (especially after the classless move by Caroline saying he blended baby birds for his owl. She has apparently never spent time at any bird rescue organizations.) Congratulations RFK Jr! I was clapping & cheering during your confirmation. Great speech!!!

[wildmanz]

Let's get America HEALTHY again! 🏃 🍏 🏋 🍌 👍 😊

[wendyandersen]

Why would anyone not want the best for our children
A vote for Kennedy is a vote for better health for our children!!
And that is our future!

[aliciamelendez]

👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 con gratulations RFK 🎉😊❤❤ Happy valentines 💝 day

[KathleenSnyder-hdhs]

He’s been confirmed. We praise the Lord Jesus Christ!
Thank you, for your many, many, many…sacrifices for us. We have No idea what you’ve been through. We are extremely grateful for ALL you’ve done!

[leopoldstotch]

Congratulations America!

Love from Melbourne (most locked down city in the world - avenge me)

[dianefine]

Dr Marc Siegel should
have this position.👏

[Cookie-plbn]

It drives me crazy that they keep interrupting him and don’t hear him out. He has a hard enough time speaking without that barrier. Shameful.