The Senate officially confirms Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health Secretary under Trump’s administration.

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary in President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, following a heated debate and a nearly party-line vote.

The Republican-controlled Senate approved Kennedy’s nomination by a 52-48 vote. While most Republicans supported him, former Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell voted against Kennedy, citing his steadfast support for vaccines due to his personal experience with polio as a child. “I have seen vaccines save millions of lives. I will not support the re-litigation of proven cures,” McConnell said after the vote.

Kennedy’s controversial nomination followed intense hearings where he faced criticism for his past statements linking vaccines to autism, a claim long debunked by scientific research. As the founder of Children’s Health Defense, a nonprofit known for its anti-vaccination advocacy, Kennedy’s record was heavily scrutinized by Senate Democrats and even some hesitant Republicans.

Despite concerns, Republican senators such as Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski ultimately supported him, as they received assurances that Kennedy would base public health policies on solid, data-driven research. Kennedy’s confirmation marks a significant shift in HHS’s role, with his focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle, addressing chronic disease and changing dietary guidelines. His “Make America Healthy Again” campaign emphasizes fighting the root causes of chronic diseases by reducing ultra-processed foods and advocating for healthy living.

Kennedy’s political journey has been just as unexpected as his confirmation. After a longshot bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2023, he entered an independent race before eventually endorsing Trump last year. His relationship with Trump evolved from a public spat to a political alliance, culminating in his appointment as health secretary.

Kennedy, 71, part of America’s most famous political dynasty, now faces the challenge of leading federal health agencies amid public skepticism and polarized views on public health policy.