President-elect Donald Trump Nominates Vaccine Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services
Trump’s Choice Sparks Controversy
President-elect Donald Trump said Thursday that he will nominate vaccine skeptic and conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of the Health and Human Services Department. If the Senate approves Kennedy, the former independent presidential candidate will lead a sprawling department responsible for the huge Medicare and Medicaid health coverage programs, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Kennedy’s Background
Kennedy, 70, is the son of Robert F. Kennedy, the late U.S. attorney general and Democratic senator from New York who was assassinated in 1968 by a gunman in Los Angeles as he ran for president. He is the nephew of former President John Kennedy who was assassinated in 1963.
Trump’s Statement
Trump said in October that if elected he would let Kennedy “go wild on health.” “I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services,” Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social site Thursday. “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’s Response
Kennedy, in a post on X, thanked Trump and wrote, “I’m committed to advancing your vision to Make America Healthy Again.” “We have a generational opportunity to bring together the greatest minds in science, medicine, industry, and government to put an end to the chronic disease epidemic,” Kennedy wrote. “I look forward to working with the more than 80,000 employees at HHS to free the agencies from the smothering cloud of corporate capture so they can pursue their mission to make Americans once again the healthiest people on Earth.”
Controversy Surrounds Kennedy’s Nomination
Kennedy’s nomination has sparked controversy due to his history of promoting conspiracy theories and skepticism about vaccines. He has previously suggested that the Covid-19 virus was engineered to “attack Caucasians and Black people,” and to be less likely to harm “Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese” people. He has also promoted theories that autism was linked to childhood vaccines, a connection that has been disproved.
Reactions from Senators
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., blasted Kennedy in a statement. “Mr. Kennedy’s outlandish views on basic scientific facts are disturbing and should worry all parents who expect schools and other public spaces to be safe for their children,” Wyden said. “When Mr. Kennedy comes before the Finance Committee, it’s going to be very clear what Americans stand to lose under Trump and Republicans in Congress.”
Another Democrat, Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, said, “Donald Trump’s selection of a notorious anti-vaxxer to lead HHS could not be more dangerous — this is cause for deep concern for every American.” “There is no telling how far a fringe conspiracy theorist like RFK Jr. could set back America in terms of public health, reproductive rights, research and innovation, and so much else,” Murray said.
Republican Senators Praise Kennedy’s Selection
However, some Republican senators praised Kennedy’s selection. “Bad day for Big Pharma,” Hawley tweeted. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Kentucky’s Rand Paul and Josh Hawley of Missouri also expressed support for Kennedy’s nomination.
Conclusion
Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of Health and Human Services has sparked controversy due to Kennedy’s history of promoting conspiracy theories and skepticism about vaccines. The nomination has raised concerns about the potential impact on public health, reproductive rights, research and innovation, and other areas.
FAQs
Q: What is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s background?
A: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the son of Robert F. Kennedy, the late U.S. attorney general and Democratic senator from New York who was assassinated in 1968. He is the nephew of former President John Kennedy who was assassinated in 1963.
Q: What are Kennedy’s views on vaccines?
A: Kennedy has previously suggested that vaccines are linked to autism and has promoted conspiracy theories about the Covid-19 virus. He has also expressed skepticism about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
Q: What are the concerns about Kennedy’s nomination?
A: The concerns about Kennedy’s nomination include his history of promoting conspiracy theories and skepticism about vaccines, which could potentially harm public health and undermine trust in science and medicine.
Q: How has the Senate reacted to Kennedy’s nomination?
A: Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., have both expressed concerns about Kennedy’s nomination. However, some Republican senators have praised Kennedy’s selection.