Donald Trump has selected Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic, to serve as his health secretary as he continues to shape his new administration. Known for his stance against vaccines and for spreading misinformation about public health, Kennedy’s nomination is likely to raise significant debate. If confirmed by the Senate, he will oversee a vast department responsible for areas ranging from food safety to medical research and welfare programs.
This announcement was part of a series of appointments made by Trump on Thursday evening. He also revealed plans to nominate North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for interior secretary, with a formal announcement scheduled for Friday. Burgum, a former businessman who ran for the Republican presidential nomination against Trump, is expected to take on a significant role in the new administration.
Other key appointments included Doug Collins, the former Georgia congressman, as secretary of veterans’ affairs; Todd Blanche, Trump’s defense lawyer in a high-profile criminal case, as deputy attorney general; Dean John Sauer, who represented Trump in a US Supreme Court case earlier this year, as solicitor general; and Jay Clayton, former chair of the SEC, as US attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Trump expressed excitement about Kennedy’s nomination, referencing the growing speculation about the role he would offer his former rival. Trump emphasized Kennedy’s desire to “help make America healthy again” and criticized the influence of the food and pharmaceutical industries on public health. He stated that Kennedy would bring transparency and a focus on scientific research to the Department of Health and Human Services, aiming to combat the chronic disease epidemic.
Kennedy, the 70-year-old son of Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, previously ran for president as an independent candidate after suspending his Democratic primary bid. He has been an outspoken critic of childhood vaccinations, particularly suggesting that vaccines may contribute to autism, a claim contradicted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which finds no link between vaccines and autism.
In addition to his controversial views on vaccines, Kennedy has spoken about tackling the opioid crisis and the wider issues of addiction and mental health in America.
Kennedy’s nomination has sparked swift backlash, particularly from Democrats. Senator Patty Murray condemned the choice, calling it “catastrophic” and branding Kennedy a “fringe conspiracy theorist.” Republican Senator Susan Collins expressed concerns over some of Kennedy’s statements but vowed to give him a fair hearing during confirmation.
Meanwhile, Trump’s broader team-building continues. He has nominated Marco Rubio for secretary of state and former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence. However, his selection of Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, amidst ongoing investigations into his conduct, has raised concerns within the party and Congress.
Trump also provided insights into Elon Musk’s future role in his administration, revealing plans for a new Department of Government Efficiency to streamline US government operations.
CNN, BBC News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Reuters, The Guardian, Dawn News, Geo News
