Robert F. Kennedy Jr., widely known for his outspoken criticism of vaccines, has drawn sharp criticism after being named Secretary of Health and Human Services by President-elect Donald Trump. Critics warn that his history of misinformation, including baseless claims about COVID-19, could severely harm public health and undermine confidence in scientifically backed medicine.
He falsely claimed in 2023 on Fox news that “autism comes from vaccines”
Before endorsing Trump, RFK Jr. led the third most popular presidential campaign as an independent, focusing on corporate accountability, environmental protection, and public health reform—ironically at odds with Trump’s pro-deregulation and pro-fracking stance. His support stemmed largely from public disillusionment with pandemic measures, which some viewed as infringements on their civil liberties.
RFK Jr.’s vaccine skepticism, rooted in discredited research by the disgraced Andrew Wakefield, has alienated his family, who backed Kamala Harris’s campaign. He falsely claimed in 2023 on Fox news that “autism comes from vaccines”, and likened COVID-19 policies to Nazi-era restrictions, even suggesting Anne Frank was better off. He has also claimed COVID-19 was engineered by the government, making the outlandish statement that COVID was “targeted to attack Caucasian and Black people” whilst “Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese” were more immune.
These fringe, baseless claims are laughable, yet from a position of power they are incredibly dangerous.
The newest addition to the extensive Kennedy political dynasty has publicly backed removing fluoride (the active ingredient in toothpaste) from the US water system, a measure recommended by the WHO to promote stronger teeth and reduce cavities. His reasoning for contesting this cheap and effective means of combating tooth decay? According to the conspiracy theories RFK Jr. vocally parrots, he claims it causes “cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders” and the list goes on.
These fringe, baseless claims are laughable, yet from a position of power they are incredibly dangerous. From his statements it seems he will likely abuse his newfound authority to meddle in scientifically backed health policies and further peddle misinformation and conspiracies. His leadership will erode public trust in medical institutions and jeopardise national health initiatives. Diseases such as measles, eradicated less than a quarter of a century ago by comprehensive vaccination schemes, could make a resurgence as faith in their efficacy wanes.
The only proposed policy I could find with any salience is the combatting of pervasive obesity by limiting the consumption of ultra-processed foods. I wonder how Trump, known for his love of McDonalds, will feel about this.
