Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his stance against vaccines and his environmental activism, has been chosen by President-elect Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
This department, with a budget of almost $2 billion, oversees major federal health programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. It is also tasked with responding to public health crises like COVID-19 and bird flu, as well as approving new drugs, including vaccines.
Trump announced the nomination via Twitter, expressing his enthusiasm for Kennedy’s appointment: “I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
President-elect Trump announces Kennedy as HHS Secretary nominee on Twitter
For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health.” He further stated that Kennedy would restore the department to its scientific research roots and combat the chronic disease epidemic, positioning him to “Make America Great and Healthy Again.”
Politico was the first to report the news. However, Kennedy’s appointment still requires Senate confirmation, and some analysts believe this could prove challenging. Nevertheless, the nomination signals Trump’s confidence, bolstered by a solid Republican majority in the Senate.
The announcement is likely to spark controversy among Democrats and public health experts. There are concerns that Kennedy might interfere with key agencies, fuel vaccine hesitancy, and redirect funding to align with his personal beliefs.
Kennedy has long been a vocal critic of vaccines, founding a prominent anti-vaccine organization and pushing the widely debunked theory that childhood vaccines cause autism. In recent interviews, he clarified that he does not intend to remove any approved vaccines but insists that more research is needed on their safety.
Kennedy’s nomination also serves as a reward for his earlier political moves, including his run for president as a Democrat, his shift to an independent candidacy, and his eventual endorsement of Trump. It is seen as a recognition of his support for Trump’s campaign.
Kennedy has previously accused federal health regulators of being overly influenced by corporate interests and has vowed to overhaul the FDA to eliminate corruption. More recently, he has advocated for the removal of fluoride from the nation’s drinking water, a stance that has raised concerns among health officials who view fluoride as essential for dental health.
In the final days of the campaign, Trump hinted that he would give Kennedy leeway in reshaping the nation’s health care system. “He’s going to help make America healthy again… He wants to do some things, and we’re going to let him get to it,” Trump said during a victory speech at Mar-a-Lago.
