Trump Nominates Anti-Vaccine Activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent anti-vaccine activist, to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Kennedy, an outspoken figure on public health issues and a former presidential candidate, was named in a statement posted on Trump’s official X handle Wednesday.

Expressing confidence in his nominee, Trump lauded Kennedy’s commitment to reforming U.S. health agencies, noting that Kennedy’s experience and principles align with his administration’s vision for a transparent, accountable HHS. Trump stated, “I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS),” emphasizing his belief that Kennedy’s leadership would “elevate the standard of HHS for the benefit of all Americans.”

The president-elect pointedly criticized pharmaceutical companies, accusing them of spreading “deception, misinformation, and disinformation” and contributing to a national public health crisis. Trump signaled his administration’s focus on scrutinizing “harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives,” adding that Kennedy would help restore HHS as a leader in “Gold Standard Scientific Research” to address what Trump described as the country’s “overwhelming health crisis.”

Kennedy has faced significant public criticism for his views on vaccine safety, which many have deemed controversial. Critics label him a vaccine conspiracy theorist, though Kennedy has consistently denied these accusations, asserting that his views are grounded in reasoned analysis. Some experts have supported Kennedy’s claims, arguing his skepticism toward vaccines and pharmaceutical practices reflects valid concerns.

The nomination follows Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump in August, after suspending his own campaign for the Republican nomination, and seems to confirm widespread speculation that he would assume a key role if Trump were elected.

This nomination is one of several bold and contentious picks announced by Trump this week, including Congressman Matt Gaetz as attorney general and former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence.