Donald Trump Appoints Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services
President-elect Donald Trump has named Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine activist, as his pick for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The announcement was made on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, on Thursday, marking the end of days of speculation regarding Kennedy’s potential role in the incoming administration.
Trump expressed his excitement about the appointment, stating, “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, who dropped out of the 2024 presidential race and endorsed Trump, has long been known for his outspoken criticism of vaccines, particularly childhood immunizations. His controversial stance includes claims that vaccines are linked to autism, despite decades of scientific evidence disproving such associations.
Kennedy’s selection to lead HHS signals a significant shift in the nation’s health leadership. HHS oversees a wide array of critical health 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 and Medicaid Services (CMS). Kennedy has previously claimed that Trump promised him “control of the public health agencies” if he were to accept a leadership role.
While Kennedy was also considered for other roles related to childhood obesity and chronic diseases, his appointment to HHS would give him substantial authority and influence over the nation’s health policies. Kennedy has also suggested ambitious plans, including a focus on reducing chronic disease and creating a more transparent public health system.
Kennedy’s appointment has raised significant concerns among critics, especially in light of his promotion of vaccine misinformation. Dr. Richard Besser, former acting director of the CDC, expressed his alarm, stating, “To have someone leading the Department of Health and Human Services who has been one of the biggest purveyors of misinformation about vaccines would imperil the health of people across the country.”
The announcement has had an immediate impact on the markets. Stocks of vaccine manufacturers fell following news of Kennedy’s potential confirmation. Additionally, some FDA employees have reportedly considered leaving the agency, fearing the direction Kennedy might take the organization.
Kennedy’s views on public health extend beyond vaccines. He has suggested controversial policies, such as banning fluoride in drinking water and removing ultra-processed foods from the American diet. His appointment could lead to sweeping changes at the FDA, where he has threatened to eliminate entire departments and fire employees he deems to be waging a “war on public health.”
Senator Bill Cassidy, R-La., a physician and ranking member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, expressed his interest in Kennedy’s policy positions, stating, “RFK Jr. has championed issues like healthy foods and the need for greater transparency in our public health infrastructure.”
However, the selection has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., chair of the Senate Finance Committee, condemned Kennedy’s appointment, calling it “worse health care at a higher cost for American families.”
Kennedy’s nomination is subject to Senate confirmation, where his controversial views are expected to be heavily scrutinized. If confirmed, Kennedy would take the helm of HHS at a time when the nation’s health agencies are under intense scrutiny following the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing debates over vaccine safety.
The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services marks a defining moment in Trump’s administration, signaling potential changes in health policy that could have lasting effects on public health in the U.S.
