Additional Coverage:
- Here’s how Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promised to remake the nation’s top health agencies (newsbreak.com)
Anti-Vaccine Activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. May Head Health Department
Environmentalist and anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President-elect Donald Trump. Kennedy’s appointment would put him in charge of a vast agency with a $1.7 trillion budget and over 80,000 employees.
Kennedy’s Criticism of Health Agencies
Kennedy has been a vocal critic of HHS agencies, particularly the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He has threatened to fire FDA employees and overturn agency decisions on vaccines, drugs, and food safety. Kennedy has also expressed his opposition to the CDC’s fluoridation guidance and the NIH’s funding for certain research.
Impact on FDA
If confirmed, Kennedy could significantly impact the FDA’s operations. He has proposed eliminating entire departments, including the food and nutrition center. Kennedy’s stance on vaccines and his skepticism of FDA approvals could also affect the availability and safety of medical products.
CDC and NIH
Kennedy has also criticized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for its fluoride recommendations and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for its research priorities. He wants to redirect NIH funding towards alternative therapies and preventive approaches.
Medicare and Medicaid
Kennedy’s focus on health care coverage has been limited. While he supports covering gym memberships and healthy foods for obese Americans, he has not addressed the potential impact on Medicare and Medicaid programs that provide coverage for millions of people.