Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a controversial figure known for his opposition to pharmaceutical and food industry practices, is positioning himself as a key influencer in public health and regulatory policy under President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration. According to sources close to Kennedy, the environmental lawyer and former independent presidential candidate is actively reviewing candidates for top positions at U.S. health agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Kennedy’s involvement, confirmed by Del Bigtree, a former aide and current close associate, underscores his pivotal role in shaping Trump’s health agenda. Bigtree stated that Kennedy has been asked to “recommend appointees for all regulatory health agencies” as part of Trump’s broader initiative to “Make America Healthy Again.” The move signals Trump’s intent to place a spotlight on public health reform and potentially reshape regulatory oversight within federal health institutions.
In August, Kennedy ended his own presidential campaign to endorse Trump, reportedly in exchange for a role focused on public health within the Trump administration. While Kennedy’s exact role remains undefined, he could serve in an official or advisory capacity, according to sources familiar with ongoing discussions. The possibility of him taking a position at HHS, however, was downplayed by Trump transition team co-chair Howard Lutnick during a CNN interview, who stated, “Kennedy was not getting a job for HHS.”
Bigtree emphasized Trump’s expectation for Kennedy’s proposals to yield tangible results within two years, particularly in reducing chronic illness among American children. One of Kennedy’s contentious stances includes his call to remove fluoride from public water supplies, citing unsubstantiated health risks-a view sharply opposed by the American Dental Association, which maintains fluoride’s effectiveness in reducing tooth decay.
Kennedy’s track record and statements about vaccines have also drawn intense scrutiny. Despite his assertions in a recent MSNBC interview that he has “never been anti-vaccine,” Kennedy’s public statements often contradict this claim. In July, he reiterated on Lex Fridman’s podcast that “some of the live virus vaccines are probably averting more problems than they’re causing,” but followed by suggesting that “there’s no vaccine that is…safe and effective.” Kennedy’s views have been debunked by numerous scientific bodies, including claims about vaccines causing autism-a stance widely rejected by medical experts.
The Trump-Vance transition team has embraced Kennedy’s public health priorities, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stating that Trump’s resounding electoral victory reflects trust in his judgment and policies, including collaboration with figures like Kennedy. “The American people re-elected President Trump by resounding margins because they trust his judgment and support his policies,” Leavitt said.
As Kennedy reviews candidates for health regulatory roles, he has pledged to recommend scientists and doctors free of pharmaceutical industry conflicts, Bigtree noted. This approach, he believes, will ensure transparency and integrity within key health agencies. Additionally, Bigtree, who heads MAHA Action, an organization supporting Kennedy’s health initiatives, affirmed their intent to influence policy through strategic appointments.
Kennedy’s influence could extend far beyond personnel decisions, given his calls to overhaul entire departments. He has publicly threatened to “clear out” sections of the FDA, stating he would target perceived corruption within the agency. “I can get the corruption out of the agencies,” Kennedy declared. His stance has fueled debate about his potential impact on U.S. public health policies, particularly regarding vaccine safety and regulatory practices.
Meanwhile, Kennedy’s involvement has drawn attention from prominent health experts and lawmakers. Critics warn that his history of promoting vaccine misinformation could erode public trust in established medical science. Despite this, Kennedy has continued to insist on what he calls “rigorous scientific testing” for vaccines and other medical products.
Original article online at: https://www.btimesonline.com/articles/170754/20241109/rfk-jr-reportedly-reviewing-top-health-roles-under-trump-will-controversial-vaccine-stances-influence-u-s-policy.htm