Additional Coverage:
President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., faces criticism from health experts for his anti-vaccine views and skepticism about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the criticism, some unexpected sources, including renowned food author Michael Pollan, have praised Kennedy’s stance on the American food industry. Pollan believes Kennedy’s criticism of ultra-processed foods and the overuse of corn and soy is important.
Some Democrats, like Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Sen. Cory Booker, have also commended Kennedy’s focus on the food industry while expressing concerns about his anti-vaccine stance.
Pollan questions whether Trump will allow Kennedy to implement meaningful reforms, given Kennedy’s recent appearance eating McDonald’s with Trump. Nevertheless, Pollan and other supporters hope to see Kennedy’s ideas on food discussed in the national conversation.