Donald Trump Jr announced on Thursday that President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Robert F Kennedy Jr to head the department of health and human services (HHS).
Kennedy, an environmental activist, previously ran for president as an independent candidate before endorsing Trump in August. This endorsement came with the understanding of a potential role in Trump’s administration.
The HHS oversees major health agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health. It also manages Medicare and Medicaid, programs that provide health coverage to millions of Americans.
During his victory speech on November 6, Trump said about Kennedy, “He’s going to help make America healthy again. He wants to do some things, and we’re going to let him get to it.”
Kennedy has indicated his plans to prioritize addressing chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes and reducing chemicals in food. He has also voiced criticisms of the FDA and suggested major staffing changes. Regarding the FDA, he said on social media, “The FDA’s war on public health is about to end.”
Kennedy’s stance on vaccines has drawn criticism, with accusations of spreading misinformation. While he disputes being anti-vaccine, he advocates for more stringent vaccine testing. He previously chaired the Children’s Health Defense, an organization known for its anti-vaccine messaging.