President-elect Donald Trump has selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his nominee for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a controversial choice that could challenge Senate Republicans’ loyalty during the confirmation process.
Trump announced the decision on Thursday, expressing enthusiasm for Kennedy’s appointment.
In a post on X, Trump emphasized that ensuring the safety and health of Americans is a top priority, with Kennedy set to restore HHS’s focus on scientific research, transparency, and addressing the nation’s chronic disease crisis.
Kennedy, a well-known anti-vaccine activist, accepted the offer after being in Palm Beach, Florida, post-election.
This pick is surprising given that just before the election, Trump’s transition co-chair had dismissed Kennedy’s chances of heading HHS, only for Trump to later affirm his authority in making the final decision.
Kennedy, who ran for president as a Democrat and later as an independent, has advocated for policies addressing food safety, environmental regulations, holistic medicine, and vaccine research.
In the final phase of his campaign, he met with Trump to discuss supporting him in exchange for a role in his administration. After suspending his presidential bid, Kennedy endorsed Trump in August.
Since Election Day, Kennedy has outlined plans to overhaul public health, focusing on vaccine safety, environmental health, and government transparency. He has also suggested major staffing changes at agencies like the FDA and NIH, proposing the removal of hundreds of employees in order to implement his vision.
In an interview, Kennedy revealed that Trump’s instructions to him are to eliminate corruption from regulatory bodies, restore science-based practices to health agencies, and address the chronic disease epidemic with measurable outcomes within two years.
