President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, a source told CNN. This controversial pick is expected to test the loyalty of Senate Republicans during the confirmation process.
According to the source, Kennedy accepted the offer on Thursday, with an announcement from Trump expected later in the day. Politico initially reported the selection.
The choice is significant given that Trump’s transition co-chair Howard Lutnick recently said Kennedy would not be considered for the role, a comment that reportedly caused internal friction. Despite this, Trump ultimately decided on Kennedy.
Kennedy, well-known for his stance against vaccines, has gained attention for his opposition to established vaccine science and his advocacy for alternative health measures. He launched an independent presidential bid last year, primarily focused on public health reforms, food safety, and environmental issues, before suspending his campaign and endorsing Trump in August.
In recent statements, Kennedy has pledged to reassess vaccine safety and address chronic disease rates. He has also suggested staffing changes within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health to align with Trump’s vision for regulatory reform.
Kennedy told NPR News that Trump instructed him to “remove corruption and conflicts” from health agencies, restore evidence-based practices, and make tangible progress in reducing chronic diseases within two years.
Source: CNN