Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) is currently serving as the 26th United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, having assumed office in February 2025 under President Donald Trump. He was confirmed by the Senate despite controversy over his promotion of vaccine misinformation and public-health conspiracy theories

. RFK Jr. has a rare neurological voice disorder called spasmodic dysphonia, which causes a strained, quivering voice due to involuntary muscle contractions affecting his vocal cords. He has had this condition for decades and manages it with Botox injections

. Politically, RFK Jr. initially ran as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election but later withdrew and endorsed Donald Trump. His tenure at HHS has been marked by internal challenges, including the abrupt resignation of his top communications official shortly after his appointment, amid criticism of his handling of public health issues like measles outbreaks

. Earlier in his career, RFK Jr. was an environmental lawyer and activist, known for his work with Riverkeeper and the Waterkeeper Alliance. However, in recent years, he has become known for controversial stances on vaccines and public health, drawing significant criticism

. In summary, RFK Jr. is currently a cabinet secretary with a notable voice disorder, a controversial public health stance, and a complex political trajectory from Democratic roots to endorsing a Republican president