In a pivotal moment for the Trump administration, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was officially sworn in as Secretary of Health and Human Services today, capping what President Trump called a “contentious fight” over the vaccine skeptic’s nomination.
The Senate narrowly confirmed Kennedy by a vote of 51-47, largely along party lines, with Republican Senator Mitch McConnell being the only member of his party to vote against the controversial nominee.
Trump Creates “Make America Healthy Again” Commission
During the swearing-in ceremony at the White House, President Trump signed an executive order establishing the “President’s Commission to Make America Healthy Again,” which will be chaired by Kennedy.
“This groundbreaking commission will be charged with investigating what is causing the decades-long increase in chronic illness, reporting its findings, and delivering an action plan to the American people,” Trump announced.
The president highlighted alarming health statistics during his remarks:
- More than a 40% increase in childhood cancer rates since 1975
- A rise in autism rates from 1 in 10,000 children to 1 in 36 today
- Over 40% of children having at least one chronic health condition as of 2022
- Nearly 80% of young adults not qualifying for military service, largely for health reasons
“The United States spends more money on health than any other country on Earth, but we’re growing sicker every year,” Trump said. “We’re not as healthy as countries that spend just a fraction of what we spend. So there’s something wrong, and he’s going to figure it out.”
Kennedy Supported by Coalition of “Passionate Moms”
Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy’s former running mate during his independent presidential campaign, expressed enthusiasm about the confirmation in a Fox News interview.
“Mothers, thank you all of you… We are cheering today. We are getting together. We have hope for the first time in a really long time,” Shanahan said, noting that she plans to serve in an advisory capacity to Kennedy.
Shanahan emphasized that Kennedy has assembled “a very carefully assembled group of people around him with task forces that have some of the best doctors, scientists” who will be advising on decisions related to the NIH, CDC, and FDA.
“The number one goal right now is to make sure that anyone who touches this budget, anyone who touches taxpayer dollars… that it’s not being informed by for-profit corporatist interests,” she added.
A Contentious Confirmation Process
Kennedy’s path to confirmation was far from smooth. Senate Democrats unanimously opposed his nomination, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer declaring, “By now it’s beyond clear that Mr. Kennedy is not remotely qualified to become the next Secretary of HHS.”
The nomination faced intense scrutiny due to Kennedy’s controversial positions on vaccines and public health issues. According to Shanahan, “tens of thousands [were] presented to media influencers to just get final hits out against him” in the final week before the confirmation vote.
Despite the opposition, Republicans largely unified behind Kennedy, with Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) casting the decisive “yes” vote that pushed the confirmation over the edge.
Historic Moment for the Kennedy Family
The swearing-in ceremony held particular significance as it took place in the Oval Office, where Kennedy’s uncle, John F. Kennedy, served as president and his father, Robert F. Kennedy, served as Attorney General.
Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch administered the oath as Kennedy’s wife, actress Cheryl Hines, and several family members looked on.
President Trump acknowledged this historic connection, noting Kennedy’s lineage: “Like his father, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, Bobby has devoted much of his life to serving his fellow Americans.”
What Comes Next for HHS?
As Secretary, Kennedy will oversee an enormous federal department with a budget of approximately $2.4 trillion, representing about 25% of the United States’ total budget.
The department includes critical agencies such as:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
According to Shanahan, Kennedy plans to take a “holistic” approach to addressing America’s health challenges, with a focus on removing “dangerous chemicals out of our environment and out of our food supply.”
Other Breaking Developments in the Trump Administration
Kennedy’s confirmation comes amid several other significant developments in the Trump administration’s third week:
- Reports indicate Hamas has reversed its position and will release Israeli hostages as scheduled on Saturday, following Trump’s threat that “all hell is going to break out” if they failed to do so
- Negotiations are underway to broker a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia
- Elon Musk continues to raise alarms about alleged fraud in Social Security and other federal programs
- Trump has now successfully confirmed 19 Cabinet members, doubling the pace of confirmations compared to his first administration
Public Reaction
The confirmation has drawn strong reactions from across the political spectrum. Supporters see Kennedy’s appointment as a bold move to challenge the healthcare and pharmaceutical establishment, while critics warn his skepticism of vaccines and alternative health views could undermine public health infrastructure.
Focus Point News will continue to monitor developments as Secretary Kennedy begins his work at HHS and the new health commission takes shape.
