President-elect Donald Trump has selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal vaccine skeptic and former independent presidential candidate, to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The nomination, announced Thursday on Trump’s Truth Social platform, signals a controversial approach to public health in his incoming administration.
Trump praised Kennedy’s stance against pharmaceutical companies, stating that Americans have long been “crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies engaging in deception.”
He expressed confidence in Kennedy’s ability to “make America great and healthy again.”
Controversial Figure in Public Health
Kennedy, a member of the prominent Kennedy political dynasty and an environmental lawyer, has been a polarizing figure in public health debates. While he denies being anti-vaccine, he has frequently questioned vaccine safety and efficacy, asserting that “no vaccine is safe and effective.”
Over the years, Kennedy has also made controversial claims linking antidepressants to school shootings and questioning the connection between HIV and AIDS. As the head of the non-profit Children’s Health Defense, he gained significant traction for his views during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Planned Overhaul of HHS
If confirmed by the Senate, Kennedy plans a sweeping transformation of HHS, including replacing 600 employees involved in vaccine research and redirecting efforts towards what he describes as the “chronic disease epidemic.” His focus would shift public health priorities toward addressing issues like obesity, diabetes, and mental illnesses, which he attributes to corporate malfeasance and harmful pesticides.
Kennedy has also proposed banning pharmaceutical advertising on television and vowed to end the FDA’s “aggressive suppression” of alternative therapies, including psychedelics and stem cells.
Mixed Reactions
The nomination has sparked intense debate across the political spectrum. Public health advocates, including Dr. Peter Lurie of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, have condemned Kennedy as unqualified and a threat to evidence-based health policy.
Conversely, some, like Colorado Governor Jared Polis, have welcomed the appointment, citing Kennedy’s potential to reform the FDA.
Kennedy’s nomination aligns with Trump’s campaign promises to disrupt the health establishment. At rallies, Trump often praised Kennedy, saying he would let him “go wild” on health reform if elected.
Kennedy’s confirmation process is expected to face significant opposition from lawmakers and pharmaceutical lobbyists, potentially setting the stage for a contentious Senate debate.
