RFK Jr. Named as Trump's Health Secretary
The US Senate has approved Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the position of secretary of health and human services. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The US Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services on Thursday, overcoming Democratic objections regarding his anti-vaccine positions. Democrats characterized Kennedy’s views as the promotion of “conspiracy theories” concerning vaccines and nutrition.
The confirmation vote reflected a largely partisan divide, with 52 Republicans in favor and 48 Democrats against it. Notably, former GOP leader Mitch McConnell was the sole Republican to cast a vote opposing Kennedy’s confirmation.
Kennedy, 71, is an environmental lawyer who was nominated by US President Donald Trump shortly after Trump’s reelection win in November of last year.
This vote also marks the second occasion in two days that McConnell has dissented against one of Trump’s nominees. He was the only Republican to reject the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence the previous day.
In explaining his opposition to RFK Jr., McConnell cited his personal health history: “I’m a survivor of childhood polio ... 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,” he stated.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, commented, “when dangerous diseases make a comeback and people struggle to access lifesaving vaccines, all Americans will pay the price." She also expressed concern about Kennedy’s potential conflicts of interest, warning that “RFK Jr.’s family could continue profiting from his anti-vaccine agenda while he holds office.”
Kennedy, who founded the anti-vaccine organization Children’s Health Defense, has gained notoriety in the US for his doubts about the safety and effectiveness of childhood vaccinations, as well as for claiming a link between vaccines and autism. He has also been an outspoken critic of the Covid-19 response measures proposed by the World Health Organization, including strict lockdowns and the rapid vaccine rollout.
Despite this skepticism, Kennedy maintains that he does not oppose vaccinations, noting that his own children are vaccinated. During his confirmation hearings, he elucidated that his calls for vaccine safety stem from a desire for stricter studies and testing.
After an unsuccessful independent presidential campaign, Kennedy joined Trump’s campaign, with Trump promising to allow him to take a strong stance on healthcare policy.
Additionally, Kennedy has expressed support for Trump’s commitment to resolving the Ukraine conflict quickly. In a 2023 interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, he claimed that the US Agency for International Development had channeled $5 billion to support the protests leading to the 2014 Maidan coup, suggesting that USAID operates as a front for the CIA. He referenced a leaked conversation between then-US diplomat Victoria Nuland and the US ambassador to Ukraine, in which Nuland appeared to choose members for Ukraine’s post-coup government shortly before the president’s ousting.
Kennedy is the son of former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
The confirmation vote reflected a largely partisan divide, with 52 Republicans in favor and 48 Democrats against it. Notably, former GOP leader Mitch McConnell was the sole Republican to cast a vote opposing Kennedy’s confirmation.
Kennedy, 71, is an environmental lawyer who was nominated by US President Donald Trump shortly after Trump’s reelection win in November of last year.
This vote also marks the second occasion in two days that McConnell has dissented against one of Trump’s nominees. He was the only Republican to reject the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence the previous day.
In explaining his opposition to RFK Jr., McConnell cited his personal health history: “I’m a survivor of childhood polio ... 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,” he stated.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, commented, “when dangerous diseases make a comeback and people struggle to access lifesaving vaccines, all Americans will pay the price." She also expressed concern about Kennedy’s potential conflicts of interest, warning that “RFK Jr.’s family could continue profiting from his anti-vaccine agenda while he holds office.”
Kennedy, who founded the anti-vaccine organization Children’s Health Defense, has gained notoriety in the US for his doubts about the safety and effectiveness of childhood vaccinations, as well as for claiming a link between vaccines and autism. He has also been an outspoken critic of the Covid-19 response measures proposed by the World Health Organization, including strict lockdowns and the rapid vaccine rollout.
Despite this skepticism, Kennedy maintains that he does not oppose vaccinations, noting that his own children are vaccinated. During his confirmation hearings, he elucidated that his calls for vaccine safety stem from a desire for stricter studies and testing.
After an unsuccessful independent presidential campaign, Kennedy joined Trump’s campaign, with Trump promising to allow him to take a strong stance on healthcare policy.
Additionally, Kennedy has expressed support for Trump’s commitment to resolving the Ukraine conflict quickly. In a 2023 interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, he claimed that the US Agency for International Development had channeled $5 billion to support the protests leading to the 2014 Maidan coup, suggesting that USAID operates as a front for the CIA. He referenced a leaked conversation between then-US diplomat Victoria Nuland and the US ambassador to Ukraine, in which Nuland appeared to choose members for Ukraine’s post-coup government shortly before the president’s ousting.
Kennedy is the son of former US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy.
Debra A Smith for TROIB News
