President-elect Donald Trump revealed on Thursday that he plans to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine activist, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Kennedy, known for his controversial views on vaccines, would oversee critical areas of public health, including drug safety, vaccine policies, food regulations, and medical research, as well as Medicare and Medicaid.
In his announcement on Truth Social, Trump criticized the influence of industrial food companies and pharmaceutical giants, accusing them of spreading misinformation about public health. He praised Kennedy, claiming he would “end the Chronic Disease epidemic” and “Make America Great and Healthy Again!”
Kennedy’s nomination has caused concern among public health officials. Dr. Mandy Cohen, the CDC director, expressed fears about regressing to a time when diseases could harm Americans due to low vaccine confidence.
Trump also named Doug Collins, a former Georgia congressman, as his nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, he announced his choice of North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for the Department of the Interior.
Kennedy, from the famous Kennedy political family, briefly ran for president in 2023, first seeking the Democratic nomination and later running as an independent before endorsing Trump. In exchange for his support, Kennedy was promised a significant role in health policy during Trump’s second term. The two developed a close relationship, with Kennedy even agreeing to “reorganize” agencies like the CDC and FDA.
While Kennedy is well-known for his anti-vaccine stance, he has also advocated for better food regulation, criticizing processed foods, herbicides like Roundup, and factory farming. However, his rejection of vaccines, which he has repeatedly claimed are unsafe and ineffective, raises concerns among health experts. Many studies have shown no connection between vaccines and autism, with vaccines being proven safe and effective.
Trump’s first term included the launch of Operation Warp Speed to accelerate the production of COVID-19 vaccines, which were credited with saving lives. Despite this, Kennedy continues to push a narrative questioning vaccine safety.
Kennedy’s views on food regulation and chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, have gained some support on social media, especially from influencers and health advocates. But his approach could clash with Trump’s deregulatory policies, such as reducing meat industry inspections.
Despite Kennedy’s controversial views, some Republican senators have voiced support, with Sen. Josh Hawley applauding the pick, while others, like Sen. Patty Murray, strongly oppose it. Some Democrats have expressed concern about the potential impact on public health, especially in light of recent measles outbreaks, while others, such as Colorado Governor Jared Polis, have expressed optimism, hoping Kennedy will challenge “big pharma” and promote personal choice regarding vaccines.
Kennedy’s plans for HHS include tightening regulations on food additives and pharmaceutical companies, such as barring TV ads for prescription drugs. He has also voiced opposition to the FDA’s approval processes, including proposals to cut fees pharmaceutical companies pay to the agency. He has promised a crackdown on unproven therapies, including psychedelics and discredited COVID treatments, and plans to address the “revolving door” between the pharmaceutical industry and government agencies.
Additionally, Kennedy has suggested firing 600 NIH employees involved in vaccine research and replacing them with new staff focused on chronic diseases. His nonprofit, Children’s Health Defense, is involved in an ongoing antitrust lawsuit against news organizations for allegedly suppressing misinformation.
In his announcement, Trump also named Jay Clayton, former SEC chairman, as his nominee for U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
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