Trump Appoints Anti-Vaxx RFK Jr. as Head of Health and Human Services

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This decision is poised to attract scrutiny due to Kennedy’s controversial views, particularly his stance on vaccines, which many consider unscientific.

In a social media post, Trump expressed enthusiasm for the nomination, emphasizing an objective to combat misinformation within health sectors. “For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies,” he stated. He underscored the significance of HHS in protecting citizens from potential health hazards stemming from chemicals and additives in food and drugs.

The HHS budget reflects its substantial influence, receiving approximately $116.8 billion in discretionary funds annually, alongside $1.7 trillion in mandatory spending. It oversees major public health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

Kennedy’s political career includes a recent run as an independent presidential candidate, during which he often disseminated misleading vaccine information and other conspiracy theories about health. Despite having no formal background in science or medicine—holding degrees in law from Harvard and the University of Virginia—he has been active as an environmental lawyer and author.

His nomination has been met with immediate backlash. Criticism has emerged particularly from public health advocates. Lisa Gilbert of Public Citizen labeled Kennedy as a “science-denying conspiracy theorist,” urging the Senate to reject his nomination outright. Conversely, some Republicans, such as Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, showed interest in assessing Kennedy’s viewpoints during the confirmation process, highlighting his advocacy for healthy foods.

Democrats have also reacted sharply. Washington state Senator Patty Murray characterized Kennedy’s nomination as alarming, articulating fears about potential setbacks in public health and research initiatives. “The consequences here are not theoretical,” she stated, referencing the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a contrasting tone, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul celebrated Kennedy’s nomination, framing it as a step towards greater health freedom. Meanwhile, Colorado Governor Jared Polis, while expressing mixed feelings regarding Kennedy’s vaccine stance, voiced hope for him to challenge major pharmaceutical companies and improve public health policies.

Overall, the nomination reflects a polarized response from across the political spectrum, with implications for public health policy that may unfold during the Senate confirmation hearings.

Last updated 10:53 a.m., Nov. 15, 2024