Donald Trump Expected to Nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Lead Health Department
President-elect Donald Trump is expected to nominate anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services. This department oversees a wide range of critical areas, including drug, vaccine, and food safety, medical research, as well as Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Appointment Not Yet Official
The expected nomination has been confirmed by two individuals familiar with the discussions, though they spoke on condition of anonymity. As of now, neither Trump nor his transition team has made an official announcement, leaving room for potential changes in the decision.
Kennedy’s Shift to Trump
Kennedy, who initially ran as an independent in this year’s presidential race, ended his campaign after reaching an agreement to endorse Trump. In return, he was promised a role in shaping health policy within the administration.
Since then, Kennedy and Trump have developed a close friendship, with Kennedy often receiving enthusiastic support at Trump’s rallies.
The news of this expected appointment was first reported by Politico on Thursday.
Kennedy’s Background and Controversies
Kennedy, a long-time critic of vaccines, is an attorney who has gained a loyal following over the years for his legal battles against major pesticide and pharmaceutical companies. He has also advocated for stricter regulations on food ingredients.
During Trump’s campaign, Kennedy focused on gaining support from young mothers, promoting healthier food standards in the U.S. He promised to model regulations similar to those in Europe, branding his initiative as “Make America Healthy Again,” a nod to Trump’s original campaign slogan.
Potential Conflicts with Trump’s Deregulation Policies
It remains to be seen how Kennedy’s regulatory stance will align with Trump’s history of deregulating large industries, including food. For example, Trump has previously pushed for fewer inspections in the meat industry.
Challenges in Senate Confirmation
Kennedy’s views on vaccines have made him a controversial figure, raising concerns about whether he can secure confirmation, even in a Senate controlled by Republicans. He has promoted misinformation about vaccine safety, including a debunked theory linking childhood vaccines to autism.
Additionally, Kennedy has expressed support for removing fluoride from drinking water, despite its recognized role in improving dental health.
The Role of the Department of Health and Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services employs over 80,000 people across the country. It includes key agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Medicare and Medicaid programs, and the National Institutes of Health.
Kennedy’s Legal Battles
Kennedy’s nonprofit organization, Children’s Health Defense, is currently involved in a lawsuit against several news organizations, including The Associated Press. The lawsuit accuses these organizations of violating antitrust laws by taking steps to identify misinformation, particularly regarding COVID-19 and its vaccines. Although Kennedy took leave from the group when he announced his presidential run, he is still listed as one of the attorneys in the case.
