
As of February 13, 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. serves as the 26th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The secretary of health and human services is the principal advisor to the president on health matters and a member of the United States Cabinet. The secretary's duties include advising the president on matters of health, welfare, and income security programs. They also strive to administer the Department of Health and Human Services to carry out approved programs and make the public aware of the department's objectives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. |
| Position | 26th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
| Salary | $250,600 |
| Duties | Advising the president on matters of health, welfare, and income security programs |
| Administering the Department of Health and Human Services | |
| Communicating the department's objectives to the public |
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What You'll Learn

The current secretary of health is Robert F. Kennedy Jr
Kennedy's role as secretary of health and human services entails leading and managing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This department has a broad mandate to address human conditions and concerns in the United States. It oversees a range of agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The secretary of health's responsibilities include ensuring the effective administration of HHS to implement approved programs and keeping the public informed about the department's objectives. Kennedy, as the head of the department, works closely with other departmental leaders, including the deputy secretary, Jim O'Neill, and the chief of staff, Heather Flick Melanson. They collectively strive to support the health and well-being of the nation through their guidance and management.
Kennedy's position as secretary of health is a Level I position in the Executive Schedule, which comes with a substantial salary of US$250,600 as of January 2025. His role in advising the president and shaping health policies can significantly impact the lives of Americans across the country. Kennedy's tenure as secretary of health is an important one, given the ongoing health challenges and the need to ensure access to quality healthcare for all Americans.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s appointment as secretary of health demonstrates his qualifications and dedication to public service in the health sector. His leadership in this role is crucial in addressing the health concerns of the nation and guiding the Department of Health and Human Services in its mission to protect and enhance the well-being of the American people. Kennedy's expertise and experience are vital assets in this role, and his impact on health policies and programs will be felt during his tenure.
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The secretary advises the president on health, welfare, and income security
The current US Secretary of Health and Human Services is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has held the position since 13 February 2025. The secretary of health advises the president on matters of health, welfare, and income security. They are the principal advisor to the president on all health matters and strive to administer the Department of Health and Human Services to execute approved programs and communicate the department's objectives to the public.
The secretary of health's role revolves around human conditions and concerns in the United States. They earn a salary of US$250,600, as of January 2025. The secretary is a member of the United States Cabinet and is supported by a Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, currently Jim O'Neill, and a Chief of Staff, currently Heather Flick Melanson.
The Department of Health and Human Services oversees 11 agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These agencies work together to support the health and well-being of the nation.
The secretary of health plays a crucial role in shaping health policies and programs that impact the lives of Americans. They ensure that the Department of Health and Human Services functions effectively to address the health, welfare, and income security needs of the country. By advising the president and working closely with other agencies, the secretary helps to develop and implement policies that promote the overall well-being of the American people.
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The secretary is the principal advisor on health matters
The current secretary of health in the US is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has held the position since February 13, 2025. The secretary of health and human services is the head of the US Department of Health and Human Services and is the principal advisor to the president on all health matters. This includes advising on welfare and income security programs.
The secretary is a member of the US Cabinet and plays a crucial role in shaping health policies and programs that impact the nation's health and well-being. They are responsible for administering the Department of Health and Human Services, ensuring the implementation of approved programs, and communicating the department's objectives to the public.
As the principal advisor on health matters, the secretary of health provides expertise and guidance to the president and other policymakers. They offer insights and recommendations based on the latest health data, research, and trends. The secretary ensures that health considerations are at the forefront of policy discussions and decision-making processes.
The secretary also oversees the management and coordination of various health agencies and organizations. This includes the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
By serving as the principal advisor on health matters, the secretary of health plays a vital role in influencing health policies, programs, and initiatives that ultimately shape the health landscape in the US. Their expertise and leadership help guide decisions that impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities across the nation.
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The secretary's salary is $250,600
As of February 13, 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been serving as the 26th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The secretary of health and human services is the principal advisor to the president on health matters and is a member of the United States Cabinet. The secretary's role revolves around human conditions and concerns in the United States, including advising on health, welfare, and income security programs. The Department of Health and Human Services oversees 11 agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The secretary of health and human services is a level I position in the Executive Schedule, earning a salary of $250,600 as of January 2025. This salary is commensurate with the critical role the secretary plays in shaping health policies and programs that impact the nation. The secretary ensures that the Department of Health and Human Services carries out its approved programs and communicates its objectives to the public.
The position of secretary of health and human services has evolved over time. Before 1980, the department was known as the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, headed by Patricia Roberts Harris. In 1980, the department was renamed, and its education functions were transferred to the newly established Department of Education.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as the current secretary, has been tasked with addressing contemporary health challenges and ensuring the well-being of the nation. His salary of $250,600 reflects the importance of this position in shaping health policies and their implementation.
The secretary's salary is set at a level that recognises the significance of their role in advising the president and influencing health-related decisions. It is a testament to the trust placed in the secretary to make informed choices that benefit the American people.
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The secretary oversees 11 agencies, including the FDA and CDC
The current secretary of health in the US is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has held the position since February 13, 2025. He is the 26th Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services and serves as the principal advisor to the president on all health matters.
The secretary of health and human services is a Level I position in the Executive Schedule, earning a salary of $250,600 as of January 2025. The role involves advising the president on matters of health, welfare, and income security programs. The secretary strives to administer the Department of Health and Human Services, ensuring the execution of approved programs and keeping the public informed about the department's objectives.
The Department of Health and Human Services oversees 11 agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The FDA is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety of foods, drugs, and other products, while the CDC focuses on protecting public health and safety by providing leadership and direction in controlling and preventing diseases.
Other agencies under the department's oversight include the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is responsible for biomedical and public health research; the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), which promotes the well-being of children, families, and communities; and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which ensures access to health care for eligible populations.
By overseeing these agencies, the secretary of health plays a critical role in shaping health policies and programs that impact the lives of Americans across the nation.
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Frequently asked questions
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is the current secretary of health and human services, having held the position since February 13, 2025.
The secretary of health and human services is the principal advisor to the president on health matters, including welfare and income security programs. They oversee 11 agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The secretary of health and human services is a level I position in the Executive Schedule, earning a salary of $250,600 as of January 2025.
The position was formerly known as the secretary of health, education, and welfare, held by Patricia Roberts Harris before it was renamed in 1980.











































