Robert F. Kennedy Jr. confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services
After weeks of hearings and testimony, RFK Jr. was confirmed by the Senate.
Image | adobe.stock/Renato68
On February 13, 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), which includes agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)1. The confirmation hearings began on January 29, 2025, with questioning on vaccines, chronic disease, and several other issues2. The vote in the Senate was 52 to 48.
Industry organizations – including Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN; Washington, D.C.), Natural Products Association (NPA; Washington, D.C.), and Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA; Washington, D.C.) – offered their congratulations to RFK Jr. on his confirmation.
In a February 13 press release, CRN stated its support in moving forward with several health initiatives. “We look forward to working with Secretary Kennedy and the Administration to advance policies that empower Americans to take charge of their health, reduce chronic disease, and build a more resilient, prevention-focused healthcare system.”
CRN also commented on the role of the dietary supplement industry in health and wellness. “Dietary supplements play a critical role in filling nutrient gaps, supporting healthy pregnancies, promoting bone and immune health, and contributing to overall wellness. As the leading trade association representing the dietary supplement industry, CRN remains committed to expanding recognition of the vital role these products play in preventive health, ensuring Americans have access to trusted, science-backed nutritional solutions.”
“We share the Administration’s vision for a healthcare system that prioritizes proactive wellness strategies, giving consumers access to a full range of health-promoting solutions—including dietary supplements—to help them stay healthy, rather than relying solely on costly treatments after illness occurs,” CRN added. “As outlined in the CRN Foundation’s latest health care cost savings report, dietary supplements have the potential to generate billions in healthcare savings by reducing the risk of chronic disease and improving public health outcomes.”
NPA also issued a press release with comments from Daniel Fabricant, PhD., president and CEO of the NPA. “This is a new day for Americans and people globally who want natural products and dietary supplements as part of their balanced lifestyles,” stated Fabricant. “The best way to fight chronic disease and hospitalization is keeping them health [sic] in the first place, and Secretary Kennedy will help lead us in that direction.”
He also added, “As Americans increasingly seek access to dietary supplements and natural products to support their health and well-being, it is essential to have HHS leadership that understands the value of these products. Mr. Kennedy has long demonstrated a commitment to transparency, fostering open dialogue on public health matters and defending the right of individuals to make informed choices about their health. His leadership aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Natural Products Association and the broader mission of the Department of Health and Human Services.”
President and CEO of CHPA, Scott Melville, issued a statement as well. “CHPA and its member companies look forward to working with Secretary Kennedy to advance policies that will enhance American consumers’ access to safe, effective, and affordable self-care options,” said Melville. “With a growing demand for OTC medicines, dietary supplements, and OTC medical devices, it is imperative that our nation’s healthcare leaders expand access, streamline regulatory pathways, and reinforce public confidence through transparent, data-driven decisions. This can be achieved through the reauthorization of the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program (OMUFA), Rx-to-OTC switch improvements, and the modernization of the more than 30-year-old Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA).”
“CHPA stands ready to collaborate with the Administration, Congress, and other stakeholders on advancing these and other critical policies that prioritize the essential role consumer healthcare products play in benefitting our nation’s public health,” he added.
RFK Jr. had run for president in 2024, but suspended his campaign last August3.
References
- NPR. RFK Jr. confirmed as Trump's health secretary, over Democrats' loud objections https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/02/13/nx-s1-5294591/rfk-jr-trump-health-human-services-hhs-vaccines (accessed 2025-13-02).
- NPR. RFK Jr., Trump's health secretary pick, grilled about vaccines and abortion https://www.npr.org/2025/01/28/nx-s1-5272727/trump-cabinet-picks-rfk-confirmation-hearing (accessed 2025-13-02).
- Kennedy. Kennedy Announces Suspension of Campaign https://www.mahanow.org/kennedy_announces_suspension_of_campaign (accessed 2025-13-02).
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