On Thursday, the GOP-controlled Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services, concluding a contentious confirmation process centered around Kennedy Jr.’s controversial views on vaccines.

The final vote was 52-48, with nearly all Republicans supporting the nomination. The exception was Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), a polio survivor who had previously expressed concerns about undermining public confidence in “proven cures.”

McConnell was the only GOP senator to oppose Kennedy Jr., joining all Democrats and the two independents who caucus with them.

Kennedy Jr., the nephew of assassinated former President John F. Kennedy and son of assassinated U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2024. He later switched to an independent bid, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s primary process, including the absence of debates. After dropping out, Kennedy Jr. endorsed Trump and campaigned on a “Make America Healthy Again” platform, echoing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

In November, Trump picked Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services (HHS) Department, saying: “For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health.”

Trump added: “The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country. Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!”

Kennedy Jr. built a reputation as an environmental lawyer and best-selling author, but in recent years, he became widely known for his skepticism about vaccines, advocating for more testing. During his confirmation hearings, Kennedy denied being anti-vaccine, instead describing himself as “pro-safety.” He also pledged to transfer his financial interests in vaccine-related lawsuits to his adult son.

A pivotal moment came just before Kennedy Jr. advanced out of committee with a 14-13 vote along party lines. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), a doctor who had previously expressed reservations about the nomination, announced he would support Kennedy after holding “intense conversations” with both the Cabinet pick and the White House over the weekend and up until the morning of the vote.