Trump taps vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for health chief
President-elect Donald Trump nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his anti-vaccine views, as the head of the Department of Health. Kennedy, the nephew of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, promised during his campaign to "clean up corruption" and make significant changes in the approval system for drugs and vaccines.
6:01 AM EST, November 15, 2024
"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," wrote Donald Trump on platform X, announcing Kennedy's nomination.
Trump assured that under his leadership, the Department of Health "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."
Skeptical anti-vaxxer
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a lawyer known for his work on environmental and health issues and is famous for his skepticism towards vaccines, claiming they cause autism. Trump stated from the start that he would assign Kennedy the role in his cabinet of "Making America Great and Healthy Again."
The Washington Post emphasizes that Kennedy's nomination, due to his controversial views and turbulent past, including allegations of sexual misconduct, may face a tough road to Senate approval. The choice of Kennedy, although predictable, is yet another controversial decision by Trump.
Earlier, he appointed Tulsi Gabbard, known for her pro-Russian stances, as the Director of National Intelligence and Matt Gaetz, a congressman accused of sexual relations with minors, as Attorney General. He entrusted the leadership of the Pentagon to Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and National Guard infantry veteran.
