Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is one step closer to becoming the U.S. Secretary of Health following a narrow Senate vote of 53-47, highlighting unexpected Republican backing under President Trump. Kennedy has been a vocal critic of vaccines, rejecting established scientific consensus on their safety, which raised unease among some Republicans. However, he supports specific vaccines and promises not to discourage vaccination as health secretary. The vote included notable figures like Sen. Mitch McConnell, whose support underscores the complex dynamics at play in the Republican party regarding Kennedy's nomination.
During his confirmation hearings, he refused to accept the scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause autism, rejecting large-scale studies that have found no link.
Kennedy declared himself in favor of the measles vaccine and the polio vaccine and vowed not to do anything as health secretary that would prevent or discourage people from taking those shots.
The 53-47 vote was a stunning show of Republican support for President Donald Trump, who embraced Kennedy, the scion of a liberal Democratic dynasty.
Sen. Mitch McConnell voted in favor of moving ahead with the confirmation, yet his final vote remains uncertain, showcasing the unpredictability within party lines.
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