From vaccine skeptic to health Chief? Trump’s RFK Jr. pick could upset Big Pharma

Trump plans to give Robert F. Kennedy Jr. a major health role—What does that mean for public health and Big Pharma?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former independent presidential candidate and now a high-profile supporter of Donald Trump, may be gearing up for a significant health role in Trump’s administration. 

Known for his outspoken views on vaccines and health policy, Kennedy was a visible figure on the campaign trail alongside Trump, who has hinted at giving him “a big role” in shaping future health regulations. 

One area Kennedy has focused on is fluoride in drinking water. Last week, he claimed that on his “first day in office, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water,” a statement he posted on X, sparking intense debate. “It sounds OK to me,” Trump responded when asked about the idea. 

On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S​. water systems to remove fluoride from public water. Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease. President…

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) November 2, 2024

In an interview with NBC, Kennedy argued that fluoride in drinking water is “lowering IQ in our children” and “causing bone cancer.” He added, “I think fluoride is on its way out. I think the faster that it goes out, the better.” 

Trump’s support for Kennedy represents a bold stance on health policy, raising questions within the health community. 

Some experts are concerned about Kennedy’s well-known vaccine skepticism, a view he gained notoriety for during the pandemic. He has often linked vaccines to conditions such as autism, despite longstanding scientific evidence to the contrary. 

When asked about banning certain vaccines, Trump said he would discuss it with Kennedy, calling him “a very talented guy” with “strong views.” 

Though Kennedy claims he is “not anti-vaccine,” he emphasized his commitment to informed choice, stating, “People ought to have choice, and that choice ought to be informed by the best information.” He added, “If vaccines are working for somebody, I’m not going to take them away.”

Kennedy’s connection to political royalty brings its own drama. He is the nephew of President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963, and the son of Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own 1968 presidential campaign. 

Trump has promised to set up an independent commission to release all redacted documents related to JFK’s assassination, a nod to RFK Jr.’s family legacy.

However, his family has voiced disapproval of his alignment with Trump, calling it “a betrayal” of their values. Kennedy himself admitted he was a “ferocious critic” of Trump but has noted they share common ground on issues like ending the war in Ukraine.

Kennedy has been open about his controversial past, including an incident where he abandoned a bear cub in Central Park and another where he used a chainsaw on a dead whale three decades ago. 

In a 2012 interview, he explained his cognitive issues, claiming they were “caused by a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died.”

With his influential background, strong opinions, and recent backing of Trump, Kennedy is poised to bring a mix of celebrity intrigue and contentious ideas to Trump’s health initiatives. Whether or not he is appointed to a formal position, RFK Jr.’s voice is likely to echo in health policy debates throughout Trump’s administration.