Senate Confirms RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard to Key Trump Cabinet Positions After Contentious Votes
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard campaigning in Arizona for “Team Trumps Reclaiming America Tour” on September 14, 2024. Source: AZ Central
Two of President Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence (DNI), have advanced past their respective committee votes and survived their Senate confirmations, setting the stage for them to officially step into their roles. Both nominees endured a narrow path to confirmation, requiring the support of at least 50 senators and receiving the support of 52. Prior to their confirmations, thirteen other members of Trump’s cabinet were confirmed.
The Senate Finance Committee approved Kennedy’s nomination in a 14-13 vote along party lines. Known for his controversial anti-vaccine stance, Kennedy has raised concerns within the biotech industry and among public health experts. Critics argue that his appointment could undermine public trust in vaccination programs and public health initiatives. Despite these reservations, Kennedy has garnered support from wellness and conservative communities who appreciate his advocacy for alternative health practices and skepticism of pharmaceutical companies. The final Senate vote was closely contested, with all Democratic senators opposing his nomination. Kennedy required the backing of at least 50 Republican senators to secure confirmation. Some moderate Republicans were admittedly on the fence, weighing concerns about his past statements against his broad appeal among populist conservatives who fan the flames of rising distrust of the medical establishment. Although no Republicans stated publicly that they would oppose Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to run Health and Human Services, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.), a polio survivor, and centrist Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska were considered possible defectors. Of those potential defectors, only Sen. Mitch McConnell opposed Kennedy in the final vote, stating that he would “not condone the re-litigation of proven cures.” Despite no support from Democrats, the Republican-controlled Senate thereby secured Kennedy’s confirmation by a vote of 52-48.
Gabbard’s nomination advanced after a 52-46 procedural vote in the Senate, and she was confirmed with a 52-48 vote mostly along party lines. A former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, Gabbard has faced scrutiny for her past foreign policy positions, including meetings with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and comments perceived as sympathetic to Russia. Gabbard addressed these concerns during her confirmation hearings and emphasized her commitment to unbiased intelligence collection and analysis. While her supporters argue that her independent foreign policy views make her well-suited for the role, opponents question whether she will align with the intelligence community’s traditional stance on global threats. Her nomination has been seen as a test of whether Trump’s GOP is willing to embrace nontraditional figures in key national security roles.
The confirmations of Kennedy and Gabbard present significant implications for Republican senators. Supporting these nominees aligns with President Trump’s agenda and demonstrates party unity. However, it also carries risks, as both nominees have controversial backgrounds and stances that tend to go against public opinion. 88% of Americans say the benefits of vaccines outweigh the risks, and although the majority of Republicans support Kennedy’s confirmation, only 30% of US adults support the notion. Senators from battleground states may find themselves in a difficult position, particularly those seeking re-election in 2026. While voting in favor of Trump’s picks shores up support among the Republican base, it could alienate moderates and independents who have reservations about the nominees’ past statements and policy positions. Although some Republicans have previously voiced fear that confirming Kennedy could deepen divisions over public health policy, it seems this was ultimately outweighed by fear of speaking out against President Trump. Additionally, Gabbard’s nomination opens up questions about foreign policy consistency within the intelligence apparatus; Sen. McConnell was the sole Republican to vote against her confirmation, citing Gabbard’s “history of alarming lapses in judgment.”
Both nominations came down to razor-thin margins, and there were intense lobbying efforts made by both supporters and opponents. There is no longer a question of Trump’s influence within the Senate GOP—it remains strong. Despite the outspokenness of individual senators against these confirmations, their ultimate refusal to vote against them demonstrates the strength of the loyalty in the Republican Party. However, beyond serving as a test of party unity, these appointments mark a potential turning point in U.S. policy. Kennedy’s leadership at HHS could significantly shift the nation’s approach to public health, particularly regarding vaccine policy, regulatory oversight, and alternative medicine. Similarly, Gabbard’s position as DNI may lead to a reorientation of intelligence priorities, with a stronger emphasis on non-interventionist foreign policy and a reassessment of long-standing security alliances. The long-term impact of these confirmations extends beyond party dynamics, shaping both domestic and global policy for years to come.