RFK Jr. to play key role in Trump’s health policy by reviewing 'top appointments'

Nephew of President Kennedy has been tasked with recommending candidates for 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the environmental lawyer and former independent presidential candidate, is set to have a significant influence on health policy in Donald Trump’s incoming administration.

Sources close to the Trump transition team have confirmed that Kennedy is reviewing resumes for top appointments to key US health agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Kennedy, who endorsed Trump in August 2024 after dropping out of the presidential race, has been tasked with recommending candidates for these positions as part of Trump’s "Make America Healthy Again" initiative.

According to Del Bigtree, a close advisor to Kennedy, the health-focused role could see the prominent political figure either serve in a formal position or an advisory capacity, although it remains unclear whether Kennedy himself will take a government role.

Kennedy, the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and the son of assassinated Senator Robert F. Kennedy, is known for his outspoken views on vaccines and health policy.

Despite his claim to not be anti-vaccine, Kennedy has long argued for more rigorous testing and transparency in vaccine development, often drawing sharp criticism from the medical community.

His controversial stance has made him a polarizing figure, particularly among health professionals and advocacy groups.

Trump has expressed support for Kennedy’s ideas on health policy and is reportedly eager to see tangible results within two years, especially in tackling chronic illness rates among US children.

One of Kennedy’s first proposed initiatives is to remove fluoride from public water systems, a move that sparked heated debate.

Kennedy has claimed that fluoride is linked to various health issues, including bone cancer and cognitive impairments, although experts, including the American Dental Association, strongly dispute these claims, citing extensive evidence of fluoride’s benefits in preventing tooth decay.

Kennedy’s potential role in Trump’s administration also raises concerns among critics, particularly regarding his stance on vaccines.

Although he claims to be in favor of "informed choice," his previous statements have fueled skepticism about vaccines, including linking them to autism—a theory that has been thoroughly debunked by scientific research.

Trump’s embrace of Kennedy underscores a broader divergence from the mainstream health policy consensus, especially in areas related to pharmaceutical industry influence and public health regulations.

Trump has indicated that Kennedy’s appointment could signal a major shift away from what they view as an over-reliance on pharmaceutical solutions and government health regulations.

While Kennedy’s family has voiced strong disapproval of his alignment with Trump, citing a betrayal of their values, Kennedy himself argues that their shared views on issues like ending the war in Ukraine and reducing government overreach in healthcare have brought them together.

As Trump’s administration prepares to take office, Kennedy is expected to remain an influential voice in shaping health policy, whether in an official capacity or behind the scenes.

Previously, New York Magazine announced it has parted ways with political reporter Olivia Nuzzi after an investigation into her undisclosed personal relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The inquiry found no evidence of bias or inaccuracies in her 2024 campaign reporting while Kennedy was placed in the spotlight for his alleged sexting scandal with Nuzzi.

His unconventional views, combined with his political pedigree, ensure that his role will continue to generate significant attention and debate in the coming months.