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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was officially sworn in as the nation’s Secretary of Health and Human Services on Thursday in the Oval Office.
The former Democratic presidential candidate now takes charge of the $1.7 trillion health department, overseeing critical agencies that regulate health insurance, vaccine policy, and food safety.
President Trump praised Kennedy’s leadership and the broad support he brought with him after ending his presidential bid to align with the administration.
“He really worked very hard, and he had tremendous support, unbelievable support,” Trump said. “And I think a lot of that support came my way when we decided to do a merger. And it was really great. And it was very loyal, very loyal, incredible people.”
To underscore Kennedy’s mission, Trump signed an executive order establishing a new commission to “Make America Healthy Again,” with Kennedy serving as its chair. The commission will focus on investigating the rise of chronic illnesses in America and the impact of chemicals in the food supply and environment.
“He’s absolutely committed to getting dangerous chemicals out of our environment and out of our food supply, and getting the American people the facts and the answers that we deserve after years in which our public health system has squandered the trust of our citizens,” Trump said.
Kennedy, sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, was joined by his wife, Cheryl Hines, and several key Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).
Kennedy pledged an aggressive overhaul of the nation’s health agencies, promising “radical transparency” and an end to what he described as corruption and corporate influence over public health policy.
“Our plans are radical transparency and returning gold standard science [to] NIH, the FDA, and CDC, and ending the corruption, ending the corporate capture [of] those agencies,” Kennedy said. “We can do unadorned and unimpeded science rather than the kind of product that is coming out of those agencies.”
Kennedy has been outspoken about the need for reform, previously stating his intention to fire 600 employees at the National Institutes of Health and calling for major changes at the Food and Drug Administration. Last year, he warned FDA officials in a social media post to “preserve your records” and “pack your bags,” signaling his intent to hold the agency accountable.
Despite strong backing from President Trump and Republican lawmakers, Kennedy’s confirmation was met with opposition from Democrats and one Republican, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. The final Senate vote was 52-48.
Critics, including Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), attacked Kennedy’s lack of a formal medical or scientific background. Ossoff called him “unfit and unqualified.” Senate Democrats also pointed to past controversies surrounding Kennedy’s views on vaccines and public health policies.
Kennedy has pushed back against characterizations that he is “anti-vaccine,” instead framing himself as an advocate for safety and informed consent.
“Vaccines should be tested, they should be safe. Everybody should have informed consent,” Kennedy said.
Now, as the country’s top health official, Kennedy is set to lead sweeping reforms aimed at restoring public trust and improving the health of the American people.