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Donald Trump has chosen Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), according to an announcement made on 14 November 2024. Kennedy, who has been a vocal critic of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will assume office in early 2025.
The appointment signals Trump’s intention to reform the U.S. health system and increase scrutiny of health regulatory bodies.
In his announcement, Trump stated, “I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). 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.”
Kennedy’s Background and Views on Public Health
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an attorney and environmental advocate who has long criticised the influence of corporate interests on public health policy. He is particularly well-known for his views on vaccine safety, questioning the transparency of vaccine development, and contributing to ongoing debates about public health.
Before agreeing to take on the role of Secretary of HHS, Kennedy briefly ran as an independent candidate in the 2024 U.S. presidential election before endorsing Donald Trump.
His career in environmental advocacy and public health reform is expected to influence his approach to regulatory oversight at HHS, particularly concerning corporate influence.
Trump’s Vision for Health Reform and Greater Transparency
Trump emphasised his focus on protecting public health, saying:
“The safety and health of all Americans is the most important role of any administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming health crisis in this country. Mr. Kennedy will restore these agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of transparency, to end the chronic disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!”
Kennedy thanked Trump on X shortly after, promising to “Make America Healthy Again” and “bring an end to the chronic disease epidemic.”
“Together, we will eliminate corruption, close the revolving door between industry and government, and restore our health agencies to their strong tradition of gold-standard, evidence-based science. I will ensure Americans have transparency and access to all the data, enabling them to make informed decisions for themselves and their families,” he wrote.
Key Policy Shifts Expected Under Kennedy’s Leadership
Kennedy’s appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services is expected to lead to significant shifts in regulatory policies. His past work suggests a commitment to limiting harmful substances in food, revisiting vaccine mandates, and reshaping HHS practices to reflect his stance on reducing corporate influence.
In a recent statement, Kennedy clarified his position on vaccines: “I am not anti-vaccine. I just want safe vaccines. And I want robust science. And I want transparency in government. And I want independent regulators who are not owned by pharma. So I think that’s really reasonable.”
Mixed Reactions from Political and Public Health Experts
Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) issued a cautious statement, saying, “RFK Jr. has advocated for healthier food options and emphasised the necessity for increased transparency within our public health system. I anticipate learning more about his other policy perspectives and how they will align with a conservative, pro-American agenda.”
Critics, including lawmakers and health advocacy groups, warn that Kennedy’s past views may undermine public confidence in HHS’s ability to manage critical public health issues, especially in the areas of infectious disease prevention and vaccine administration.
Dr. Richard Besser, a former acting director of the CDC, expressed his disbelief at the appointment, saying, “I’m speechless. To have someone leading the Department of Health and Human Services who has been one of the biggest purveyors of misinformation about vaccines, one of the biggest purveyors of misinformation about public health in general, would imperil the health of people across the country.”
His approach to these challenges will be closely monitored as the transition unfolds.