Policy changes or official announcements from health agencies

RFK Jr. Eyes Major Role in Trump Administration, Including NIH and CDC, Raising Vaccine Skepticism Concerns

Oct 31, 2024, 10:31 PM

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) is reportedly being considered for a significant role in a potential second Trump administration, focusing on federal health agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Concerns have been raised regarding his vaccine skepticism and the implications of his influence on health policy if Donald Trump is re-elected. Trump has indicated that he would allow RFK Jr. considerable freedom in shaping health, food, and pharmaceutical policies, which has alarmed many experts who fear a potential shift in public health standards. Despite these discussions, a Trump transition co-chair, Howard Lutnick, has stated that RFK Jr. will not be appointed as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The ongoing dialogue suggests that RFK Jr. may target vaccines and other health-related issues, further intensifying fears about public health under a Trump-led administration.