The Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the new Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) following a 52-48 vote, marking a pivotal shift in the nation’s healthcare policy.

Former Republican Leader Mitch McConnell joined Democrats in opposing Kennedy.

Kennedy, 71, will now take over an agency with an annual budget of around $1.7 trillion.

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A longtime critic of pharmaceutical industry influence and corporate food policies, Kennedy has championed healthcare reforms centered on prevention and wellness.

His “Make America Healthy Again” initiative aims to combat chronic diseases by promoting healthier lifestyles and revising outdated dietary guidelines. Among his top priorities is reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods, which have been linked to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and other preventable health conditions.

Kennedy also faced criticism, even from many Republicans, for his skeptical views on vaccines.

“I’m a survivor of childhood polio. In my lifetime, I’ve watched vaccines save millions of lives from devastating diseases across America and around the world,” McConnell said in a statement after the vote. “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.”

Kennedy had to assure Republican senators such as Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska before securing their votes.

“Vaccines have saved millions of lives, and I sought assurance that, as HHS secretary, he would do nothing to make it difficult for people to take vaccines or discourage vaccination efforts,” Murkowski said prior to the vote.

Kennedy’s confirmation has drawn strong reactions from both supporters and skeptics. Dr. Joseph Varon, President and Chief Medical Officer of the Independent Medical Alliance (IMA), hailed the appointment as a landmark moment.

“This is a historic day for healthcare in America—one that will be remembered for generations. After witnessing the heavy-handed government response to COVID-19, frontline doctors pushed for real change. We need a system that prioritizes prevention and patient health over bureaucracy and corporate interests,” Dr. Varon said.

As the new head of HHS, Kennedy is expected to push for greater transparency in medical research, re-evaluate government dietary recommendations, and advocate for a healthcare system that prioritizes long-term well-being. His leadership signals a new era in health policy—one that could reshape the way Americans approach healthcare and disease prevention.