*Mystery Surrounds Leading Contender for Top US Health Role*
By Ahmed Aboulenein
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known critic of vaccines who endorsed President Donald Trump following the end of his own presidential aspirations, appears to be on the verge of assuming the role of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services pending a Senate confirmation vote scheduled for Thursday. The Republican-controlled Senate appears likely to confirm Kennedy, who has made assurances to safeguard current vaccination programs in order to garner support from hesitant lawmakers.
If approved, Kennedy would have triumphed over opposition from the medical community and members of Congress, and would take on the responsibility of overseeing various prominent agencies, such as the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Kennedy, 71, is an environmental attorney known for casting doubt on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines that have played a crucial role in disease prevention and saved countless lives over the years. In his potential new role, he would be in charge of managing an HHS department with a budget exceeding $3 trillion. This department also oversees key programs like Medicare and Medicaid, which offer health coverage to over 140 million Americans, as well as the National Institutes of Health.
Among Kennedy’s stated goals are to combat chronic diseases, eliminate any potential conflicts of interest between FDA employees and the pharmaceutical industry, and advise on the removal of fluoride from U.S. water systems. Critics argue that his prominent role in the anti-vaccine movement disqualifies him from the position.
Kennedy’s journey to confirmation has not been without challenges, as he faced skepticism from some Republicans due to his past as a lifelong Democrat, his previous support for abortion, and his stance on vaccines. Despite opposition, Senate Republicans are expected to unite in support of Kennedy, following the trend of backing all of President Trump’s cabinet picks, including the recent confirmation of defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth.
As part of efforts to downsize the government, the White House has offered buyouts to two million federal employees. Kennedy has expressed intentions to reduce the workforce at both the FDA and NIH.
During contentious confirmation hearings, Democrats accused Kennedy of having financial ties to the anti-vaccine movement and promoting conspiracy theories to instill doubt about vital medications, allegations he refuted. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a veteran in community-based healthcare, was initially hesitant due to Kennedy’s views on vaccines but ultimately voted in favor after receiving assurances from Kennedy regarding his stance on autism and vaccines.
Kennedy’s confirmation seems likely, despite the hurdles he has faced along the way.
In light of the current vaccine approval and safety monitoring systems, it is imperative to uphold the decisions made by the CDC’s external panel of experts, known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, without alterations. Additionally, Kennedy has advocated for the prohibition of numerous food additives and chemicals, as well as the removal of ultra-processed foods from school lunches. Facing uncertainty about his political future last summer, Kennedy’s independent presidential campaign experienced setbacks, leading to its discontinuation in August. Subsequently, he endorsed Trump in exchange for a position in the Trump administration. Facilitated by Trump donor and financier Omeed Malik, this agreement garnered Trump increased support in the presidential election. Following the endorsement, Kennedy’s supporters rallied behind the Republican candidate, placing their trust in the possibility of Kennedy receiving a second chance in politics should Trump secure a return to the White House. (Reported by Ahmed Aboulenein; Additional reporting by Stephanie Kelly; Edited by Caroline Humer and Bill Berkrot)
