November 8, 2024 / CBS News / By Alexander Tin
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly being considered for the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the incoming Trump administration, according to several people close to President-elect Trump’s campaign. The possibility of Kennedy's appointment has gained traction after Republicans secured a Senate majority, increasing the likelihood of his confirmation.
Kennedy's nomination would face a much easier path in a Republican-controlled Senate compared to a Democratic one. His controversial public health positions, which include skepticism toward vaccine safety, have previously drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and medical professionals. Kennedy, who leads the advocacy group Children’s Health Defense, has questioned the safety of vaccines, citing an alleged link between rising rates of chronic diseases and the increasing number of childhood vaccines. Many health experts argue that such views could undermine public confidence in vaccines and hinder immunization efforts.
Despite the speculation, Kennedy has not confirmed whether he would accept the position. He mentioned in an NPR interview after the election that joining the administration is a possibility, but has expressed uncertainty about whether leading HHS would be the most effective use of his skills. Before the election, Kennedy told Fox News he was confident that if he wanted the role, Trump would strongly support him in securing it.
Campaign insiders say that the positive election results have shifted the thinking on Kennedy's potential confirmation. His supporters believe that his proposals, especially around combating chronic disease under the "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, played a role in attracting votes for Trump. Prominent figures like podcast host Joe Rogan initially endorsed Kennedy before switching his support to Trump, highlighting Kennedy's influence among certain voter demographics.
Other Potential HHS Candidates
Kennedy isn’t the only contender for the top health position. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has suggested his state’s Surgeon General, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, as a candidate. Ladapo has been known for his controversial stances on COVID-19 vaccines, opposing federal health guidance. Additionally, former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and Eric Hargan, a former deputy HHS secretary, have been mentioned as potential picks due to their experience navigating the complexities of the department.
However, Kennedy has been closely involved with Trump throughout the campaign, spending significant time strategizing with him. Following the election, Kennedy met with Trump and his senior team in Florida to discuss potential appointments. Trump, who has publicly praised Kennedy, expressed enthusiasm for having him take a major role in shaping health policy, though he noted that Kennedy’s views on environmental issues might limit his influence in certain areas like fossil fuel regulation.
Kennedy's Health Policy Agenda
If appointed, Kennedy's priorities would likely include tackling what he describes as the "chronic-disease crisis." He has criticized the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its "aggressive suppression" of certain products, including psychedelics and raw milk, and has called for reducing pharmaceutical advertising and reforming the drug approval process. Kennedy has also pushed for transparency in vaccine safety research and spoken against water fluoridation, citing concerns about potential impacts on children's IQ, a topic currently under review by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Kennedy's allies, however, worry that the broad responsibilities of running HHS could distract him from his reform-focused agenda. Dr. Robert Malone, a longtime supporter of Kennedy, suggested that Kennedy might be more effective as a special advisor or czar, working across multiple agencies to implement targeted health reforms. Malone emphasized that discussions are ongoing about a major overhaul of the federal health system, which could involve significant changes to how health research and public health initiatives are conducted in the U.S.
While Kennedy's potential nomination remains uncertain, his involvement in the Trump administration would signal a significant shift in health policy, particularly in areas related to vaccine safety and chronic disease prevention.
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