The BBC
Robert F Kennedy Jr, one of President Donald Trump’s most controversial cabinet picks, has been sworn in as the next US Health and Human Services Secretary.
The former presidential candidate will now oversee key health agencies with about 80,000 employees and a trillion-dollar budget. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle had questioned his baseless health claims and vaccine scepticism.
On Thursday, Kennedy was confirmed by a 52-48 vote. No Democrats backed him. Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the lone Republican to vote against Kennedy.
Kennedy is the latest cabinet appointee installed as the president seeks to rapidly overhaul almost every level of government.
The Senate is putting in late nights and early mornings as they hurry to round out the president’s cabinet by confirming his remaining nominees. Lawmakers also approved Brooke Rollins as head of the Department of Agriculture by a vote of 72-28.
Kennedy, who had his swearing in ceremony in the Oval Office, is the second controversial cabinet pick to be confirmed this week after Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed as director of National Intelligence in a narrow Senate vote on Wednesday.
He will now oversee agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Kennedy will also be charged with overseeing the US health industry which includes food safety, pharmaceuticals, public health and vaccinations. He ran for the White House himself in 2024 as an independent, but dropped out and backed Trump.
More at
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c626eezr76wo
Cannabis Industry & Media Say
Trump picks anti-cannabis DEA head (Newsletter: February 12, 2025)
Carma HoldCo CEO Adam Wilks
Robert Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services marks a significant moment for the future of cannabis policy in the US. His long-standing advocacy for public health reforms and vocal support for federal cannabis policy reform gives us hope that HHS will take a more progressive approach to cannabis regulation. With HHS playing a critical role in determining drug scheduling and guiding federal health policy, Kennedy’s leadership could accelerate much-needed changes, such as the rescheduling or descheduling of cannabis.
This appointment represents an opportunity to prioritize research, accessibility and sensible regulation. The cannabis sector is eager to see policies that reflect the realities of modern science, promote medical innovation and support the millions of patients who rely on cannabis for therapeutic use. Carma HoldCo is committed to fostering innovation and growth in the cannabis industry by leveraging opportunities created by forward-thinking policies. We look forward to working with Secretary Kennedy to advance a framework that fosters economic growth, public health and justice for communities disproportionately impacted by outdated drug policies.
NewLake Capital Partners, Inc. (OCTQX: NLCP) CEO Anthony Coniglio
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services brings a marginal impact to cannabis policy, as HHS has already fulfilled its role in the rescheduling process. With the decision now in the hands of the DEA, Secretary Kennedy’s influence will be limited to advocacy within the administration. While his past openness to alternative therapies, including psychedelics and cannabis, suggests he may be supportive, the real question is whether cannabis rescheduling is a priority for him. At best, his role could help shape broader conversations around cannabis policy and research, but the industry’s focus remains on the DEA’s next steps. Regardless, we will continue to advocate for policies that foster a sustainable, well-regulated cannabis market and look forward to engaging with policymakers at every level.
