WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump spiced up his series of impressive nominations since his recent re-election by announcing that he has appointed prominent vaccine skeptic and environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his Secretary of Health and Human Services. Trump welcomed Kennedy into his fold, suggesting he was “thrilled” with the appointment.
Kennedy suspended his independent presidential campaign last month to support Trump’s bid against Democratic contender Kamala Harris.
If confirmed by the Senate, Kennedy would oversee an agency with a nearly $2 trillion budget.
As the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and known for his strident rhetoric on vaccines and government health policies, he has alienated public health experts as much as anyone, prompting widespread skepticism about the way the nation will view health issues.
The selections underscore Trump’s objective of bringing sweeping changes to Washington, shaking up traditional institutions and rethinking roles in his administration.
In his remarks, Trump vowed Kennedy would “Make America Great and Healthy Again,” hinting at prospective changes in national health policy that could redefine the U.S. approach to public health under Kennedy’s leadership.
