Meet RFK Jr: Vaccine sceptic and Trump's choice to lead public health

The announcement of Robert F Kennedy Jr's appointment follows Donald Trump's promise to let him 'go wild on health'

In a move sparking intense debate, US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Thursday that Robert F Kennedy Jr will head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This pivotal role will see Kennedy overseeing key health agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

 

RFK Jr: A controversial pick

The announcement follows Trump’s pledge to allow Kennedy to "go wild on health," signalling a major shift in the nation’s approach to public health. Kennedy, 70, an environmental lawyer and son of the late attorney general Robert F Kennedy, ended his independent presidential bid in August and endorsed Trump shortly thereafter.

 

 

In a social media post announcing the appointment, Trump praised Kennedy’s commitment to tackling America’s chronic health issues.

 

"Mr Kennedy will restore these agencies to the traditions of gold standard scientific research, and beacons of transparency, to end the chronic disease epidemic, and to make America great and healthy again!" Trump wrote.

 

Kennedy’s tenure will focus on addressing harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and food additives—a cornerstone of his "Make America Healthy Again" campaign. However, his controversial views on vaccines and public health have drawn widespread backlash from health experts, lawmakers, and advocacy groups.

 

A clear danger or bold leadership?

Criticism of Kennedy’s appointment has been swift. Many health professionals and lawmakers have voiced alarm, citing his history of promoting vaccine misinformation and unscientific claims.

 

Dr Richard Besser, former acting director of the CDC and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, called the decision "absolutely chilling," adding that Kennedy’s leadership could have "profound consequences for the health of people in America."

 

Senator Patty Murray of Washington expressed similar concerns. “Donald Trump’s selection of a notorious anti-vaxxer to lead HHS could not be more dangerous—this is cause for deep concern for every American,” she told USA Today.

 

Public Citizen, a consumer rights advocacy group, issued a scathing statement condemning the nomination. Co-president Robert Weissman described Kennedy as "a science-denying, morally bankrupt conspiracy theorist," while fellow co-president Lisa Gilbert urged the Senate to reject the appointment.

 

Dr Jacob Glanville, CEO of vaccine platform company Centivax, added, "It would be deeply concerning to have RFK hold any federally appointed office with oversight of medical matters and public health concerns."

 

However, Kennedy’s supporters applauded Trump’s decision. Marty Irby, president of Competitive Markets Action, called the move a “game changer” that could “rein in corporate capture and save countless human lives.”

 

Kennedy’s troubled history with public health

Kennedy’s reputation as a staunch critic of vaccines has been a lightning rod for controversy. He has promoted discredited theories linking childhood vaccines to autism and opposed Covid-19 vaccines during the pandemic. His organisation, Children’s Health Defense, has been accused of spreading misinformation, with watchdog group NewsGuard documenting at least 90 false claims.

 

Kennedy’s policy proposals, such as banning fluoride from public water systems, have also raised eyebrows. While fluoride is widely seen as a public health success for preventing tooth decay, Kennedy has claimed, without robust scientific backing, that it poses risks to children’s IQ levels.

 

His remarks during the pandemic, including unfounded assertions that Covid-19 was "ethnically targeted" to spare certain groups, further fuelled criticism. These comments were widely denounced as inflammatory and false.

 

A divisive figure in politics and advocacy

Kennedy’s personal and professional life has been marked by both achievements and controversies. A graduate of Harvard University and the University of Virginia School of Law, he has championed environmental causes but faced backlash for his unorthodox methods and stances.

 

Notable episodes from his past, such as his arrest for heroin possession in the 1980s and bizarre incidents involving wildlife, have added to his colourful reputation. Despite this, Kennedy has maintained a loyal base of supporters who view him as a fearless advocate against corporate overreach and government corruption.

 

The road ahead for RFK Jr

As Kennedy prepares to assume one of the most influential roles in public health, his nomination faces an uphill battle in the Senate. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have raised concerns about his qualifications and controversial views.

 

The appointment underscores a broader philosophical divide within Trump’s administration, as Kennedy’s anti-corporate stance and calls for stricter regulations on processed foods clash with Trump’s pro-business agenda.

 

For now, the American public remains deeply divided. While some see Kennedy as a necessary disruptor in a compromised system, others fear his leadership could undo decades of progress in public health.