US, PowerNetizen.com – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is among those being considered by Trump allies for the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), according to sources close to the president-elect’s campaign. Kennedy’s supporters are optimistic about his chances after Republicans solidified their Senate majority. Previously, confirmation under a Democrat-led Senate would have been challenging due to Kennedy’s controversial health views, which include criticisms of vaccine safety and his leadership of Children’s Health Defense, a group that links rising disease rates to increased vaccinations. Such positions have faced opposition from Trump’s critics and health professionals, who argue these views threaten public trust in vaccines.
While Kennedy has expressed mixed feelings about leading HHS, he told Fox News before the election that he believed Trump would support him if he chose to pursue the role, though he was uncertain if it would be his most effective position.
During an interview, Howard Lutnick, Trump’s transition co-chair, dismissed the idea of Kennedy leading HHS, but sources suggest that post-election considerations could improve Kennedy’s chances. Supporters argue that Trump’s re-election signifies a mandate for Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda, aimed at reducing chronic disease. For instance, podcast host Joe Rogan initially supported Kennedy’s ideas before later endorsing Trump.
Kennedy has not committed to a Senate-confirmed role but has indicated he’s open to the idea. Trump’s transition spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, said the election’s outcome reflects trust in Trump’s judgment and support for policies like Kennedy’s health agenda.
Other candidates are also under consideration for the HHS position, such as Florida’s Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo and former HHS Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan. However, Kennedy is noted for his close relationship with Trump, spending extensive time with him during the campaign’s final stages and participating in post-election meetings with Trump’s top advisors.
Trump has voiced admiration for Kennedy, noting his longstanding friendship and willingness to grant him significant freedom in health policy, particularly regarding food, medicine, and vaccines, while reserving control over fossil fuel policies.
Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” plan addresses chronic disease, criticizing the FDA for restricting certain products, like psychedelics and raw milk. His proposals include limiting pharmaceutical advertising and reforming the FDA’s funding model, which relies heavily on drug company fees. Leading up to the election, Kennedy said Trump tasked him with exposing “corruption” in federal health agencies and promoting transparency.
One of Kennedy’s controversial positions is ending water fluoridation, a policy now under legal scrutiny by the EPA following a review suggesting high fluoride levels might lower children’s IQs. However, some of Kennedy’s goals, such as regulating agricultural practices, fall outside HHS’s authority, which could limit his effectiveness if appointed.
Supporters, including Dr. Robert Malone, highlight Kennedy’s strengths as a communicator and reformer, though they note his skill set may be less suited to bureaucratic administration. Malone suggests Kennedy might excel in a White House role targeting specific health issues across departments, which aligns with ongoing discussions about overhauling the federal health system.
Editor : Budi Gunawan
