RFK Jr. Nominated Health & Human Service Secretary By Trump
Washington — On Thursday, President-elect Donald Trump announced he will nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Trump shared the news on social media, expressing excitement over Kennedy’s potential to drive health reform in America. He stated that Kennedy would “Make America Great and Healthy Again,” addressing public health issues that, according to Trump, have been exacerbated by deception from major drug and food corporations.
Kennedy, a known critic of vaccines, has consistently questioned the safety of many public health practices. His views have sparked significant controversy over the years, with accusations that his stance on vaccines and other health policies is anti-science. However, Trump believes Kennedy’s unconventional approach will target what he describes as “an epidemic of chronic diseases.” Kennedy’s beliefs point to large pharmaceutical and food companies as being responsible for numerous health issues in the country. His proposed agenda includes tackling issues like autism, ADHD, sleep disorders, infertility, diabetes, and obesity, which he claims have worsened due to government inaction.
If confirmed by the Senate, Kennedy will oversee various agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The HHS secretary role also involves overseeing the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which cares for undocumented children detained at the U.S. border. With Republicans set to control the Senate in January, Trump’s controversial choice is expected to have a smoother path to confirmation, despite opposition from Democrats and health advocacy groups.
Trump’s selection has faced immediate criticism, particularly from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a nonprofit watchdog group that promotes evidence-based health practices. CSPI President Dr. Peter G. Lurie condemned Kennedy’s nomination, calling it “a direct threat to science.” He likened the move to “putting a Flat Earther at the head of NASA,” arguing that Kennedy’s approach to health policy conflicts with established scientific principles.
However, Kennedy’s appointment has also found some support. Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, publicly welcomed Kennedy’s nomination. Polis praised Kennedy’s efforts to oppose vaccine mandates in Colorado in 2019 and expressed hope that Kennedy’s tenure at HHS would focus on reducing drug costs for Americans and challenging corporate food practices. Polis acknowledged that while he disagrees with Kennedy on vaccines, he agrees on the need for reform in areas like food safety and pesticide regulation. In a later statement, Polis clarified that he still strongly supports science-based vaccination policies.
This nomination follows a series of campaign promises from Trump, in which he assured voters that Kennedy would have free rein on health-related issues. Trump stated that he would let Kennedy “go wild” on reforming policies related to food, medicine, and public health, while hinting that Kennedy would not have control over oil and gas policies. Trump’s endorsement of Kennedy as HHS Secretary aligns with his broader goal to shake up existing structures within federal health agencies and address what he considers to be misinformation from major health institutions.
Kennedy has previously endorsed Trump and voiced support for Trump’s views on free speech and opposition to foreign wars, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He concluded his independent bid for the presidency in August, focusing instead on working within the Trump administration. Kennedy has also suggested that HHS and USDA employees aligned with certain public health narratives be replaced to allow for reform in areas he deems neglected by the federal government. This includes what he claims is lax regulation in food safety, particularly in the use of chemicals and additives that Kennedy argues are harmful to children.
The potential shift in HHS leadership has sparked a wide range of reactions, with some speculating that Kennedy’s views could bring fundamental changes to the agency. Dr. Peter Marks, a top vaccine official at the FDA, has expressed cautious optimism about working with Kennedy, saying he hopes to keep an open line of dialogue. Marks highlighted the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting current health guidelines and offered to share data with Kennedy to bridge any gaps in understanding.
Kennedy’s influence over the Trump administration has grown as he serves as co-chair of the transition team. He has been vetting candidates for various positions and has indicated his desire to recruit individuals who share his views on health and nutrition. Kennedy’s long-standing opposition to mainstream health policies, however, has raised concerns among traditional health experts, who worry his influence could lead to sweeping changes that may undermine scientific integrity within federal agencies.
Trump’s selection of Kennedy marks a significant departure from past HHS nominations, as Kennedy’s approach is expected to challenge established health practices and promote alternative theories on disease prevention and wellness. This move is likely to fuel further debate as the confirmation process unfolds.
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