Trump selects Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead Health and Human Services

President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday announced Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), signaling his intent to address what he called the nation’s ongoing health crisis.

In a statement, Trump praised Kennedy, focusing on the latter’s stance against the influence of the “industrial food complex” and pharmaceutical companies in shaping Americans’ health policies. Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the selection, saying, “I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services.”

Trump framed Kennedy’s nomination as a key step in combating what he described as systemic deception by industries that, in his view, have misled the public about health and safety matters. “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 comes to public health,” he stated.

The president-elect positioned Kennedy’s appointment as an essential part of his administration’s broader effort to safeguard the nation’s health. “The safety and health of all Americans is the most important role of any administration,” Trump said. He emphasized that Kennedy’s leadership at HHS would prioritize protecting Americans from “harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives.”

Kennedy’s confirmation as HHS secretary requires approval from the Senate, where the Republican majority is expected to ensure his passage. However, the appointment is likely to face significant resistance from Democrats and public health advocates, particularly due to Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines, which have drawn sharp criticism from public health leaders.