article

FILE – Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. listens as he is introduced by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach during the World Values ​​Network presidential candidate series at the Glasshouse on July 25, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Mi

Noted anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was called by President-elect Donald Trump as his pick for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Kennedy, 70, a former Democrat who ran as an independent in this year’s presidential race, dropped out after striking a deal to give Trump his support with the promise of a role in health policy in administration.

He and Trump have since become good friends, with Kennedy frequently receiving loud applause at Trump’s rallies.

An advocate and vaccine skeptic

A longtime vaccine skeptic, Kennedy is a lawyer who has built a loyal following over decades of people who admire his lawsuits against big pesticide and pharmaceutical companies. He pushed for stricter regulations on food ingredients.

With Trump’s campaign, he has worked to support young mothers in particular with his message to make food healthier in the US, promising to model regulations imposed in Europe. In a nod to Trump’s original campaign slogan, he called the effort “Make America Healthy Again.”

It remains unclear how that will mesh with Trump’s history of deregulating major industries, including food. Trump has pushed for fewer inspections of the meat industry, for example.

Kennedy’s stance on vaccines has also made him a controversial figure among Democrats and some Republicans, raising questions about his ability to be confirmed, even in a GOP-controlled Senate. Kennedy championed misinformation about vaccine safety, including promoting a totally discredited theory that childhood vaccines cause autism.

He also said he would recommend removal of fluoride from drinking water. The addition of the material has been cited as leading to improved dental health.