Robert Kennedy Jr. to lead HHS? Trump makes his pick for top health agency

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., at a Turning Point Action campaign rally, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, in Duluth, Ga. Photo: Alex Brandon/AP

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated environmental attorney – and former independent presidential candidate – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of the nation’s largest health care program, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), according to a post on Truth Social last night. If confirmed by the Senate, Kennedy will lead the Trump administration’s health policy initiatives.“The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country …,” said the president elect on Truth Social.“Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!”The HHS role would give Kennedy oversight over 80,000 employees, a $2 billion budget and several health agencies, which include the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the National Institute of Health.Kennedy, 70, abandoned his presidential bid in August and endorsed Trump, promising that he and Trump would work together to “make America health again.” In recent days, Kennedy, a notable health critic, has promised changes to FDA regulation and government-funded scientific research.Kennedy, a noted vaccine skeptic, has been best known for his criticisms of public health leaders’ approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic protocols and vaccines, while insisting he is not “anti-vaccine” and instead wants transparency and informed consent for parents. Also, Kennedy has said he would advise the incoming administration to remove fluoride from all public water, though fluoride has proven to prevent cavities.