President-elect Donald Trump has announced Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), a decision set to ignite a contentious Senate confirmation process.
Confirming the selection on Thursday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), Trump expressed confidence in Kennedy’s ability to lead the department and address the nation’s health crisis.
“The safety and health of all Americans is paramount,” Trump wrote. “Mr. Kennedy will restore scientific excellence and transparency to our health agencies, tackle chronic diseases, and Make America Great and Healthy Again!”
Kennedy, a long-time critic of vaccines and a prominent figure in health-related controversies, accepted the offer while pledging to eradicate “corruption” from HHS. “I look forward to working with HHS’s 80,000 employees to liberate these agencies from corporate capture and ensure transparency for every American,” Kennedy stated.
Oversight of Key Health Programs
As HHS Secretary, Kennedy would oversee critical programs like the Affordable Care Act, Medicare, and Medicaid. Trump has pledged to improve Obamacare without full repeal, though specific plans remain unclear. Medicaid, which supports nearly 72.5 million low-income Americans, is also expected to face funding debates under GOP-led cost-cutting initiatives.
A Surprising Partnership
Kennedy’s nomination marks a significant shift, as he had launched his own presidential bid in 2023. Initially challenging President Joe Biden as a Democrat, Kennedy later switched to run as an independent. His campaign, focused on combating chronic diseases and reforming public health policies, ended in August when he endorsed Trump after private discussions about a potential role in the administration.
Trump had hinted at Kennedy’s inclusion in his team, telling supporters at a New York rally that Kennedy would “go wild” on health, food, and medicine reform if given the opportunity.
Controversial Proposals
Kennedy’s appointment is already making waves in the pharmaceutical and public health sectors. Vaccine makers saw stock prices drop following the announcement. Kennedy has promised to investigate vaccine safety and efficacy, but assured that vaccines would remain accessible.
In addition to vaccine policies, Kennedy has proposed removing fluoride from public water and restructuring major health agencies. He has advocated replacing hundreds of staff members at institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to align with his vision for reform.
A Focus on Chronic Disease and Scientific Integrity
Kennedy outlined his priorities in an interview, citing Trump’s directives: eliminate corruption in regulatory agencies, restore evidence-based practices, and reduce chronic disease rates with measurable results within two years.
“This is about giving Americans control over their health and ensuring that our agencies truly serve the public,” Kennedy said.
Political Fallout
The decision to appoint Kennedy has drawn scrutiny, particularly after earlier denials from Trump’s team about his consideration for the role. Critics anticipate a contentious confirmation battle, while supporters see the move as a bold step toward reforming public health governance.
As Kennedy prepares to take the helm at HHS, the stakes for the nation’s healthcare system—and the political landscape—are higher than ever.
SOURCE: CNN
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