Published on 15 November 2024.
Donald Trump has announced that he intends to nominate former independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr as the US Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
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…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 14, 2024
Kennedy is seeking to carry out his ‘Make America Healthy Again’ campaign, demanding the government break ties with industry, remove allegedly harmful chemicals in food and regulate ultra-processed food. There are concerns regarding Kennedy’s controversial health policies and commentary, including anti-vaccine advocacy and removing fluoride from public water.
Kennedy has indicated intentions to overhaul agencies within the HHS, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He has criticised the FDA for failing to approve controversial treatments such as psychedelic compounds for mental health conditions and at the NIH he wants to pause research into drug development and infectious diseases for approximately eight years and redirect the funding towards chronic disease research.
Kennedy’s statement to NBC News that he won’t “take away anybody’s vaccines,” has failed to sway sceptics, given his repeated claims falsely linking childhood vaccinations to autism. Bloomberg has reported that following the nomination announcement, shares of vaccine manufacturers Moderna, Pfizer and Novavax have dropped.
In Australia and internationally, the health industry will be monitoring how Kennedy’s potential appointment could impact medical research and spread further vaccine misinformation.
The nomination will need confirmation from the Senate for Kennedy to commence the role, which is uncertain given his track record and perceived lack of experience in health care or public health.
At London Agency, we will be monitoring this nomination process closely and providing critical analysis and insights into how Kennedy’s potential appointment could affect healthcare in Australasia.
