In an HHS press release from February 13, 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as the 26th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in a ceremony conducted by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Neil Gorsuch at the Oval Office.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 26th HHS in a narrow 52-48 vote, largely along party lines. This followed weeks of contentious hearings and debates, with opposition from Senate Democrats.
Notably, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was the only Republican to oppose the nomination. Kennedy’s confirmation was supported by Republicans after assurances were made to key senators like Bill Cassidy (R-LA), who cited commitments for collaboration on health policy. Kennedy, a longtime environmental lawyer, was sworn in the same day by President Donald Trump, who also signed an executive order launching the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative.
In the HHS press release, Senator Kennedy said, “Thank you, President Trump, for your leadership, your confidence in me, and your deep concern for the health of the American people. You have truly heard the calls of the millions of mothers who simply want the tools – and the truth – so they can make informed decisions for their children.”
Following Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services, several developments are anticipated. First, Kennedy will likely prioritize the implementation of the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, which aims to address various public health challenges, including chronic diseases and healthcare accessibility. His leadership will also involve navigating ongoing public health issues such as vaccination policies.
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The Secretary of HHS is responsible for overseeing the health and welfare of Americans, managing critical agencies like the FDA, CDC, NIH, and CMS, and advising the President on health policy issues.
The Secretary oversees 13 operating divisions within HHS, including major agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The Secretary has legal authority to respond to public health crises, including declaring emergencies and authorizing actions such as emergency use authorizations for medical products.