robert_f_kennedy_jr_dept health human services

RFK Jr., Rollins Sworn in to Lead HHS and USDA, Respectively

Feb. 14, 2025

Robert Kennedy Jr. confirmed in a tight vote, while Brooke Rollins will take over the USDA in a 72-28 vote.

The U.S. Senate confirmed the nominations of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Brooke Rollins to take the reins of two government agencies influential to the food and beverage industries today, according to various news reports.

RFK Jr. will be secretary of the Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS) in President Donald Trump’s new administration after winning the Senate vote 52-48, with only Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, who had polio as a child and support vaccines, as the only Republican to vote against him. The vote was 52 in favor versus 48 opposed.

Kennedy will oversee $1.7 trillion in federal spending on health and human services, including making recommendations on vaccines, and overseeing food safety and health insurance programs.

Additionally, the Senate confirmed Brooke Rollins as the new secretary of agriculture, a role in which she will lead the USDA in the new administration. Rollins previously served as President Trump’s chief of domestic policy in his first term. Rollins received 78 votes of support from senators with only 28 voting against her.

Rollins said the president’s mass deportation plans could hurt U.S. farmers during her confirmation hearing, but also said she would work to help President Trump with his plans but still protect farmers.

About the Author

Andy Hanacek | Senior Editor

Andy Hanacek has covered meat, poultry, bakery and snack foods as a B2B editor for nearly 20 years, and has toured hundreds of processing plants and food companies, sharing stories of innovation and technological advancement throughout the food supply chain. In 2018, he won a Folio:Eddie Award for his unique "From the Editor's Desk" video blogs, and he has brought home additional awards from Folio and ASBPE over the years. In addition, Hanacek led the Meat Industry Hall of Fame for several years and was vice president of communications for We R Food Safety, a food safety software and consulting company.