Yesterday, Donald Trump proposed appointing Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his anti-vaccine stance and conspiracy theories, as Health Secretary. RFK Jr., who had previously endorsed Trump, was promised freedom to manage health-related policies.
RFK Jr. aims to challenge the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency responsible for regulating drugs and most foods in the U.S., which he would oversee if confirmed.
He has expressed on X (formerly Twitter) his intent to dismiss experts who, in his view, hinder public health by limiting access to certain treatments and foods, citing raw milk and a specific drug as examples.
RFK Jr., a member of the prominent Kennedy family, does not hold a medical degree and was running as an independent presidential candidate before he withdrew and endorsed Trump.
He also proposed former Congressman Matt Gaetz as Attorney General, which has sparked negative reactions from both Democrats and Republicans. They are demanding the release of the Justice Department’s investigation results into his alleged misconduct, including trafficking, sex with a minor, and using campaign funds for personal expenses. For the deputy attorney general, he proposed Todd Blanche as his attorney in several criminal cases.
According to the NYT, he appears to be appointing to top government positions those who were most loyal to him, rather than the most experienced.