Concerns over Trump’s Choice of RFK Jr. for US Public Health Lead

Trump’s Health Secretary Pick Advocates for Raw Milk, Fluoride Removal, and Holds Controversial Health Views

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary. Kennedy is known for his anti-vaccine conspiracy beliefs and lacks medical or public health qualifications.

After ending his own presidential campaign and endorsing Trump, Kennedy aims to improve American health by reducing exposure to harmful substances, Trump posted.

Kennedy’s policies focus on environmental and food safety overhauls, including removing fluoride from water—a move that reverses a public health measure shown to prevent tooth decay. He also advocates for increased access to raw milk, despite the associated health risks.

Kennedy plans to restructure vaccine research funding, despite the existing comprehensive vaccine development and approval process by the CDC. He also wants to increase coverage of “functional medicine,” a holistic approach to managing chronic diseases, and use half of the National Institutes of Health budget on alternative health approaches.

A History of Conspiracy Theories

Kennedy’s belief that vaccines cause autism could lead to unnecessary studies, as current research shows no link between the two. Moreover, his criticism of federal vaccine recommendations implies a scientific basis is lacking, despite vaccination being a parental choice in the U.S.

Kennedy has spread numerous conspiracy theories, including links between WiFi and cancer, 5G and cryptocurrency as control methods, and chemicals in drinking water causing transgenderism. He also claimed COVID-19 targeted certain racial groups, comments that were widely denounced. His disparaging remarks about Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of AIDS Research for the NIH, were captured in a book he authored. He falsely attributes the AIDS epidemic to the “gay lifestyle” and recreational drug use.

Reactions to RFK’s Nomination

As HHS secretary, Kennedy would oversee the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid, and the CDC. His views have alarmed experts and caused concern among government health employees. Consumer advocacy group Public Citizen called his nomination “a clear and present danger to the nation’s health.” Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) labeled it as “f—ing insane” on social media. Kennedy’s nomination still requires Senate approval.