Who is Trump's Secretary of Health?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.), an environmental lawyer and political activist, launched his 2024 presidential campaign as a Democrat, challenging President Joe Biden. Son of beloved New York Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, RFK Jr. was indisputably raised in one of the most prominent Democratic American political families.

Kennedy's campaign was known for his controversial views, especially his doubts regarding vaccination, which caused significant criticism towards him from his own party. He became known across the U.S. as the Democratic conspiracy theorist who was running for president. Largely due to that point, Kennedy saw decreasing poll numbers and less campaign funding. He started losing support from many Democrats. In October 2023, he changed his strategy by announcing an independent bid for the presidency.

In August 2024, with troubles getting on the ballot in several states and lowering support in general, Kennedy suspended his presidential campaign and endorsed former President Donald J. Trump for re-election. This endorsement was largely unexpected, given his extreme prior criticisms of Trump. Following his endorsement, Kennedy became a frequent campaigner for Trump, constantly on stage at rallies and changing his brand to "Make America Healthy Again".

In November 2024, after President Trump won re-election, he nominated Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This nomination was notable due to Kennedy's anti-vaccine stance that he speaks about on numerous occasions, which has raised concerns among many in the medical field. Despite these concerns, Kennedy has been pledging to support conservative policies on issues like abortion to acquire more Republican support, as a former Democrat.

As of December 2024, Kennedy's nomination is pending Senate confirmation. His appointment continues to spark debate, reflecting the complexities and controversies that have characterized his political journey throughout the year.

To some, Kennedy’s continuing advocacy for environmental justice and responsibility of corporations leans toward traditional Democratic values. Both of these missions were also goals of his father, Senator RFK. RFK Jr.'s attempts to solve already firmly established problems, from pharmaceuticals to governmental bureaucracy, resonates with those looking for a return to older democratic political principles, going back as far as FDR's principals of "Four Freedoms": Speech, Worship, Freedom from want, and Freedom from fear, which founded the ideals of the 20th Century Democratic Party.

Others see RFK Jr.'s positions as dangerously out of line with science and modern public health discoveries. His skepticism of vaccines caused him to become a polarizing figure in today's society, with many questioning whether his appointment could destroy confidence in HHS’s original mission, because he is a very unconventional choice in general.

Depending on who you ask, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been associated with several “conspiracy theories”, particularly in the realms of public health, and the environment.

While many see Kennedy as a savage crusader against government and corporate overreach. His promotion of these “theories” has created larger criticisms from scientists, medical professionals, and mainstream political figures, especially within the Democratic Party. Many argue that his rhetoric goes against citizens' trust in important institutions like health agencies and vaccine programs.