Reports suggest that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his vaccine skepticism, may take on a significant health and food safety role in a possible second Trump administration. This news has sparked alarm among Democrats who worry that Kennedy could use his position to advance unconventional health views. According to The Washington Post, Kennedy has been in discussions with Trump’s transition team about a broad “health tsar” role, which would not require Senate confirmation.
Kennedy, who recently ended his presidential run as an independent to endorse Trump, is reportedly working with advisors on policy plans for the first few months of a potential Trump second term. Vice President Kamala Harris voiced her opposition on Friday, describing Kennedy as “the exact last person in America who should be setting healthcare policy for America’s families and children.” She criticized his history of promoting what she called “junk science and conspiracy theories.”
Kennedy’s own comments have added fuel to the controversy. Recently, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), warning that the “FDA’s war on public health is about to end,” listing treatments like psychedelics, vitamins, and alternative therapies he claims the agency has suppressed. In his post, he issued a warning to FDA staff: “Preserve your records, and pack your bags.”
Ted Kennedy Jr., a cousin and healthcare lawyer, also expressed worry about the possibility of RFK Jr. guiding healthcare policy. He told Stat that putting someone in charge of healthcare who “lacks a medical background” and has little understanding of health systems is risky for public safety.
Despite the backlash, Trump seems determined. In a recent interview with right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson, he praised Kennedy’s commitment to health and mentioned that he would likely focus on issues like women’s health and pesticide regulations. Trump campaign officials have suggested Kennedy could lead an “Operation Warp Speed for childhood chronic disease,” referring to the expedited Covid vaccine program from Trump’s previous term.
This potential partnership has resurfaced debate about the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. Trump’s vice-presidential pick, JD Vance, recently expressed skepticism about Covid vaccines in a podcast with Joe Rogan, questioning the efficacy and impact of the vaccines after his own experience.
Kennedy, echoing similar doubts, claimed at a recent rally that Trump had promised him control over agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture. Trump transition team co-chair Howard Lutnick confirmed in an interview with CNN that he had extensive discussions with Kennedy, describing them as “extraordinary.” Although he did not confirm Kennedy’s future leadership, he said, “I think it’ll be pretty cool to give him the data. Let’s see what he comes up with.”
In a statement, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt clarified that “no formal decisions” have been made regarding appointments but affirmed Trump’s intention to work with Kennedy and others to “make America healthy again,” specifically addressing the epidemic of chronic diseases affecting children, such as type 2 diabetes.
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