In the latest episode of “What Did He Just Do?” President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Yes, you read that right—Trump’s going with the most vocal anti-vaxxer of the century to lead the nation’s health. The irony isn’t lost on the countless public health experts collectively cringing at this nomination. But why would Trump stop at one unorthodox decision when he’s got a whole administration to fill?
RFK Jr.: From “Vaccines Cause Autism” to Head of Public Health
Kennedy, who’s been on a one-man mission to convince America that vaccines are worse than taxes, may find himself overseeing vaccine policy. He’s a noted anti-vaccine advocate and author of a book that claims Anthony Fauci and Bill Gates conspired with Big Pharma to push vaccines. Clearly, qualifications aren’t the primary hiring criterion in this administration, but hey—who needs science when you’ve got a good conspiracy theory?
Trump’s Vision: Take Down Big Pharma or Just Take a Wrecking Ball to Health Policy?
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Trump declared his administration would protect Americans from “harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, and pharmaceutical products.” Sounds noble, but what he really means is he’s ready to “let RFK Jr. go wild” on health policy. Public health officials, start your engines—it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Senate Republicans: “Will He or Won’t He” on the Confirmation Drama
While Kennedy’s appointment is bound to trigger debate, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) assured the public he’d treat Kennedy “like any other nominee.” Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries didn’t mince words, questioning whether Kennedy was “the best qualified person” for the job. Spoiler alert: He isn’t.
The Man with a Plan… Sort of
Kennedy has been quick to clarify that he doesn’t plan to take vaccines away from anyone, claiming he just wants Americans to make “individual assessments.” In other words, get ready for a potential public health free-for-all. And if you thought that was it, brace yourself—he’s also recommended removing fluoride from drinking water because, according to him, it’s “almost certainly” leading to lower IQs. So, in addition to vaccine hesitancy, we might soon have a dental health crisis too.
HHS 2.0: The Department of Conspiracies?
Kennedy has hinted he’ll be cleaning house at the HHS. His plan reportedly involves cutting hundreds of staff in nutrition departments and replacing 600 officials at the National Institutes of Health with “hand-picked staff.” So, if you work in public health and have a basic grasp of science, consider this fair warning to polish up that resume.
What’s Next? A Parade of Unfiltered Health Policies
This isn’t the first time Trump’s flirted with fringe health ideas. But with Kennedy at the helm of HHS, Americans might be in for a whole new slate of recommendations. Who knows? Maybe essential oils as medicine will make a comeback, and celery juice will be the next cure-all. After all, we’re officially in uncharted territory.
Trump’s Final Word: Make America Great and Healthy Again?
Trump wants to restore HHS to what he describes as “Gold Standard Scientific Research.” But with RFK Jr. in charge, we’re looking at an administration ready to throw traditional public health guidelines out the window. From his own version of “scientific” safety studies to his take on nutrition policy, it seems Kennedy’s mission will involve radically reshaping the nation’s health landscape. Whether this means a healthier America or a health crisis waiting to happen is anyone’s guess.
So, buckle up, America—your health policies are about to get a whole lot wilder.
