February 13, 2025
What Happened: Robert F. Kennedy Jr has officially been confirmed as President Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of Health and Human Services. Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate in a 52-48 vote, with Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as the only Republican to vote against Kennedy.
Why It Matters: Kennedy will now be in charge of the $1.7 trillion agency, which aims to improve the health of Americans through various programs, pharmaceutical drug development and health research.
Looking Ahead: To date, 16 of Trump’s 22 cabinet picks have been confirmed, with Tulsi Gabbard (national intelligence) confirmed yesterday, also in a 52-48 vote. Other key cabinet nominees awaiting confirmation include Kash Patel (FBI), who advanced out of committee hearings Thursday, and Linda McMahon (Department of Education), whose committee hearing starts today.
Read More: Senate votes to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary (NBC News)
Image Credit: AP / Ben Curtis
by Kelly Dean, Based in Kentucky.
