The editorial board of the New York Post expressed strong disapproval of President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services, labeling the selection as “nuts on a lot of fronts.”
While the Post, under Rupert Murdoch’s ownership, is known for its conservative stance and supported Trump’s presidential bid this year, its editorial board criticized Kennedy’s anti-vaccine stance and argued that his leadership of HHS would contradict a key principle in medicine: “do no harm.”
Trump’s choice of Kennedy for HHS faces backlash for promoting fringe and controversial position
Reflecting on a 2023 meeting with Kennedy, the board described his views as a “head-scratching spaghetti” of conspiracy theories, not limited to just vaccines. Kennedy, notorious for promoting discredited claims about vaccines causing autism, has also questioned other widely accepted scientific findings.
His broader agenda, outlined through his Make America Healthy Again movement, includes proposals to ban pesticides and genetically modified organisms, reduce food additives and chemicals, and disconnect corporate influence from regulation.
Trump’s selection of Kennedy for a position overseeing drug approvals, food safety, and disease control aligns with a campaign promise to allow Kennedy to take a more aggressive approach to health policy. “He wants to do some things, and we’re going to let him go to it,” Trump said during his Election Night speech.
However, the Post contends that putting Kennedy in charge of HHS will force Trump to defend controversial and fringe positions. The editorial argued that Trump’s focus should remain on his promises to tackle the economy, immigration, and global stability, rather than getting embroiled in defending unfounded theories or trying to rein in Kennedy.
This is not the first time the editorial board has criticized Trump’s appointments. The board previously opposed his nomination of Matt Gaetz for Attorney General, calling it “not a good look,” despite supporting Trump’s election victory.
