Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been confirmed to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), following a 52-48 vote.

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who had polio as a child, was the only GOP lawmaker to vote against Kennedy’s confirmation. He denounced Kennedy’s stances on vaccines, such as his prior leadership role at nonprofit Children’s Health Defense, which has campaigned against vaccine programs.

The Senate also confirmed Brooke Rollins as Secretary of Agriculture on Feb. 13 by a vote of 72-28.

The dietary supplements industry has largely expressed enthusiasm regarding Kennedy’s prospects at the helm of HHS, claiming that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is long overdue for a major shake-up.

Following Kennedy’s confirmation, trade associations reaffirmed their optimism.

Council for Responsible Nutrition

“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,” the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) stated. “Dietary supplements play a critical role in filling nutrient gaps, supporting healthy pregnancies, promoting bone and immune health, and contributing to overall wellness … 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. As outlined in the CRN Foundation’s latest healthcare 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.”

CRN is also eager to work alongside the administration and Congress to “modernize regulatory oversight” to “advance health freedom, strengthen transparency, and give consumers the tools they need to make informed decisions about their well-being.”

“We stand ready to collaborate with Secretary Kennedy and the Administration to champion a proactive, prevention-first approach to healthcare, one that prioritizes promoting individual health empowerment, expands consumers access to trusted, science-backed nutritional solutions, and reduces the burden of chronic disease on the healthcare system,” CRN said in a statement.

Natural Products Association

“This is a new day for Americans and people globally who want natural products and dietary supplements as part of their balanced lifestyles,” said Daniel Fabricant, PhD, president and CEO of the Natural Products Association (NPA). “The best way to fight chronic disease and hospitalization is keeping them healthy in the first place, and Secretary Kennedy will help lead us in that direction … 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.”

NPA reported that Kennedy will be instrumental in addressing key issues, such as streamlining labeling requirements, protecting free speech related to health claims, revising outdated provisions, and safeguarding the supply chain for supplement companies. “His balanced approach will help maintain strong safety standards while resisting unnecessary overregulation that could hinder innovation and consumer choice,” NPA stated. “We once again congratulate Secretary Kennedy on his confirmation and look forward to collaborating with him to advance policies that benefit millions of Americans who rely on natural products for their health and well-being.”

United Natural Products Alliance

Loren Israelsen, president and founder of the United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA), said the association looks forward to working with Kennedy and the Trump administration “to support the millions of Americans who take dietary supplements as part of a good diet and healthy lifestyle in order to maintain and improve their health. We need to elevate the national dialogue on the importance of good nutrition to improving health.”

Consumer Healthcare Products Association

Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) President and CEO Scott Melville said member companies look forward to working with Kennedy “to advance policies that will enhance American consumers’ access to safe, effective, and affordable self-care options.”

“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,” Melville said. “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.”