RFK Jr selected as President-elect Trump’s health secretary, promising to accomplish ‘unbelievable things’ | US News

Donald Trump has selected Robert F Kennedy Jr, a vaccine sceptic, as his new health secretary, expressing confidence in his ability to accomplish “unbelievable things.”

This announcement was made by Donald Trump Jr on X, with the official confirmation from the president-elect following shortly after.

RFK Jr, a former Democrat and nephew of former president John F Kennedy, had been running as an independent presidential candidate but withdrew from the race to endorse Mr Trump in August.

As a show of gratitude for Mr Kennedy’s support during the election, president-elect Trump promised him a significant role, with RFK Jr’s interest in the health sector widely recognized.

At a gala event on Thursday night at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, attended by tech mogul Elon Musk and actor Sylvester Stallone, Mr Trump directly addressed RFK Jr, praising his ideas and contributions.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees key agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Medicare, Medicaid, and the National Institutes of Health.

RFK Jr is expected to “restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again,” stated the president-elect on X.

Mr Trump emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of Americans in the face of deceptive practices by the food and pharmaceutical industries, stressing the critical role of his administration in ensuring public health.

Mr Kennedy is a known vaccine sceptic who has promoted misinformation, including the debunked idea linking childhood immunizations with autism.

The health department under RFK Jr’s leadership will play a crucial role in safeguarding the public from harmful substances in various products, addressing the health crisis prevalent in the country, as outlined by the president-elect.

Prior to the official announcement, Donald Trump Jr had already confirmed the appointment, expressing assurance that “Robert F Kennedy Jr will be The Secretary of Health and Human Services! Promises Made Promises Kept.”

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RFK Jr’s appointment to the health department will require a Senate vote for confirmation, and despite Republican majority in the chamber, opposition may arise due to his controversial beliefs on health matters.

Prior to the official announcement, Mr Kennedy had claimed that the new president would take action to eliminate fluoride from drinking water on his first day in office, citing its benefits for dental health.

The department overseen by RFK Jr has a workforce of over 80,000 employees nationwide.