The Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a 52-48 vote Thursday to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. He will be sworn in later today.
Every Republican voted in favor except former Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who joined Democrats for the third time in opposing one of President Donald Trump’s nominees.
Trump named Kennedy, the scion of a famed Democratic family, to lead HHS in November after Kennedy dropped his own presidential bid and endorsed Trump.
Republicans’ assent represents a major shift for a party once aligned with the health care industry and food manufacturers, which Kennedy has said he plans to target for pushing expensive drugs and unhealthy food. He said that has contributed to a rise in chronic disease.
Democrats said Kennedy’s history of criticizing widely accepted vaccines made him a dangerous choice to lead HHS.