Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is poised to become the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services after the Senate Finance committee voted 14-13 in favor of his nomination. President Trump’s controversial pick has faced opposition from Democrats and left-leaning groups, as well as from the right due to his stance on abortion access. Despite this, Republican Senators and supporters, including the “MAHA moms,” have backed Kennedy, emphasizing his “Make America Healthy Again” slogan.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a physician, played a pivotal role by voting in favor of Kennedy after receiving commitments on shared health priorities. Kennedy’s confirmation hearings highlighted his unconventional background as an environmental advocate turned anti-vaccine proponent. Notably, Kennedy’s sudden alliance with Trump, who granted him control over health initiatives, raised eyebrows.

During the hearings, Kennedy defended his positions on health issues, including vaccines, while facing scrutiny over his conspiracy theories and financial conflicts of interest related to suing vaccine makers. His controversial remarks on vaccine schedules for Black Americans and other unproven claims drew criticism. Despite these challenges, Kennedy’s nomination is likely to proceed to a full Senate vote, showcasing the divisive nature of his candidacy in the realm of public health leadership.