International
Robert F Kennedy Jr Sworn In as Health Secretary
- Robert F Kennedy Jr sworn in as US Health Secretary despite vaccine controversy.
- Senate confirms Kennedy in a 52-48 vote, with no Democratic support.
- Kennedy to oversee major health agencies, including the CDC, FDA, and NIH.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of President Donald Trump’s most contentious cabinet selections, has been sworn in as the new U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
The former presidential candidate will now oversee a sprawling department that includes the CDC, FDA, and NIH, managing a trillion-dollar budget and nearly 80,000 employees. His appointment has sparked controversy, given his history of vaccine skepticism and promotion of unverified health claims—concerns raised by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- 45% of Nigerian Girls Become Mothers Before 18 — World Bank
- ECOWAS Faces Historic Defection as Three West African Nations Withdraw
- Netanyahu to Meet Trump at White House Next Week
Kennedy was confirmed by a narrow 52-48 Senate vote on Thursday, with no Democratic support. Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the sole Republican to oppose his nomination. Trump personally administered the oath of office in the Oval Office, marking another victory in his push to reshape the federal government.
The Senate has been working late hours to confirm Trump’s remaining nominees, including Brooke Rollins, who was approved as Secretary of Agriculture by a 72-28 vote. Kennedy’s confirmation follows that of Tulsi Gabbard, who was narrowly approved as Director of National Intelligence earlier in the week.
As Secretary, Kennedy will be responsible for overseeing critical public health agencies, food safety regulations, pharmaceutical policies, and vaccination programs. His selection has drawn skepticism even among Republicans, given his past statements on immunizations and ties to organizations spreading health misinformation.
Kennedy, who founded the controversial group Children’s Health Defence, has long been a critic of childhood vaccination mandates, promoting debunked claims about vaccine safety. He has denied being anti-vaccine, arguing instead that he advocates for more rigorous safety testing.
Despite the controversy, some Republicans have praised Kennedy for his stance against certain food additives and his criticism of the pharmaceutical industry.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Supports Full-Term Abortion Rights, Surprising Running Mate Nicole Shanahan
During his confirmation hearings, Robert F Kennedy Jr faced intense scrutiny over his promotion of health misinformation and his understanding of the U.S. healthcare system.
Lawmakers questioned him about his stance on abortion, noting his past support for abortion rights. In response, Kennedy aligned himself with President Donald Trump, stating that abortion access should be decided by individual states and calling “every abortion a tragedy.” His remarks drew sharp criticism from Democrats, who accused him of abandoning his pro-choice views to secure the nomination.
The hearings were marked by moments of both protest and applause. While some demonstrators interrupted the proceedings with shouts of opposition, Kennedy also received cheers when he vowed to “make America healthy again,” echoing a slogan from Trump’s administration.
Ahead of the hearings, Caroline Kennedy, his cousin, publicly urged the Senate to reject his nomination, arguing that Kennedy’s views on vaccines made him unfit to lead the nation’s top health agency. Despite concerns from some Republicans, Kennedy ultimately secured their support in Thursday’s vote.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican and chair of the Senate Health Committee, was among those closely watched. A doctor himself, Cassidy had previously expressed reservations about Kennedy’s vaccine stance but ultimately voted to confirm him. “We need to make America healthy again, and it is my expectation that Secretary Kennedy will get this done,” Cassidy posted on X after the vote.
FURTHER READING
- [VIDEO] Commotion Rocks PDP BoT Meeting as Faction Confront Each Other
- NiDCOM Prepares for Deportation of Nigerians from U.S
- BREAKING: Sowore Pleads Not Guilty to Cybercrime Charges Filed by Police IG
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a polio survivor and vocal critic of Kennedy, was one of the few Republicans who voted against confirmation. “Trust in public health institutions is critical,” McConnell said in a statement. “A history of promoting conspiracy theories does not qualify someone to lead these vital agencies.”
With Kennedy confirmed, the Senate is now advancing other key Trump nominees. A final vote on Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce is expected next week, while hearings continue for Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to lead the FBI, and Kelly Loeffler, his nominee for Small Business Administrator. Trump’s Education Secretary pick, Linda McMahon, also faced questioning on Thursday, setting the stage for further confirmation battles in the days ahead.
Click here to watch our video of the week:
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
