Trump appoints RFK Jr. as Health Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the new U.S. Secretary of Health. In an announcement, Trump criticized the oppression of Americans by the food and pharmaceutical industries, which, he claims, have engaged in deception and misinformation regarding public health. Kennedy has gained attention for his vaccine skepticism, including claims of a vaccine-autism link, and has been involved with the anti-vaccine organization Children’s Health Defense. Trump promised Kennedy a significant health role during his campaign. As Secretary, Kennedy will oversee agencies like the FDA, with a goal to end the ‘chronic disease epidemic’ in the U.S. He will ensure safety from harmful chemicals, pollution, and additives contributing to health crises. Kennedy, who withdrew his independent presidential bid to support Trump, awaits Senate confirmation. He is the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and is supported by the Republican-majority Senate, despite his family’s Democratic legacy.