RFK Jr. Confirmed as Health and Human Services Secretary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services on Thursday in a 52-48 vote. 

The Details: Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was the only Republican who voted against Kennedy's confirmation.

For Context: Kennedy was a controversial candidate because of his views on health and criticism of vaccines. The former environmental lawyer suggested removing fluoride from drinking water, banning television drug ads, and re-examining food dyes and other additives. He will delegate $1.7 trillion in spending for vaccines, food safety, and health insurance programs affecting about half the country.

How The Media Covered It: The Los Angeles Times (Lean Left bias) described Kennedy's views on vaccines, chemicals, and food as “populist” and “sometimes extreme.” The Times also framed the Department of Government Efficiency negatively for capping medical research funding and leaving "thousands of federal workers unsure about their jobs." It did not mention any benefits, or perceived benefits, of cutting government costs. Fox News (Right) noted McConnell is a proponent of vaccines. It described Kennedy as a "vaccine skeptic and environmental crusader" who cleared the final hurdle in "his combustible battle to win confirmation."