US President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday announced Robert F Kennedy Jr as secretary of health and human services (HHS). He said that HHS would play a significant role in ensuring that everyone would be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives contributing to the health crisis in the country.
Sharing the announcement on social media platform X, Trump wrote: “I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health. The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country. Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!”
Kennedy, an environmental activistpreviously ran for president as an independent candidate before endorsing Trump in August. This endorsement came with the understanding of a potential role in Trump’s administration.
Donald Trump Jr, the eldest son of Trump, also wrote on X: “Robert F Kennedy Jr will be The Secretary of Health and Human Services! Promises Made Promises Kept.”
The HHS oversees major health agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health. It also manages Medicare and Medicaid, programs that provide health coverage to millions of Americans.
During his victory speech on November 6, Trump said about Kennedy, “He’s going to help make America healthy again. He wants to do some things, and we’re going to let him get to it.”
Kennedy has indicated his plans to prioritize addressing chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes and reducing chemicals in food. He has also voiced criticisms of the FDA and suggested major staffing changes. Regarding the FDA, he said on social media, “The FDA’s war on public health is about to end.”
Kennedy’s stance on vaccines has drawn criticism, with accusations of spreading misinformation. While he disputes being anti-vaccine, he advocates for more stringent vaccine testing. He previously chaired the Children’s Health Defense, an organization known for its anti-vaccine messaging.
