US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for his upcoming second term.

Kennedy will oversee key areas including drugs, vaccine and food safety, medical research and social programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

Who is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., or RFK Jr., is widely recognized as a lawyer and environmental activist and has been outspoken on controversial health topics.

In particular, he supported the now-debunked theory that vaccines are linked to autism and other health disorders. Recently, Kennedy briefly pursued a run for the 2024 election before ultimately endorsing Trump.

Born in 1954, Kennedy is a member of the prominent Kennedy family, the son of the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the grandson of President John F. Kennedy.

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in American history and literature from Harvard University in 1976, followed by a juris doctor from the University of Virginia in 1981. He also earned a master’s degree in law from Pace University School of Law in 1987, after further studies at the London School of Economics.

Kennedy initially challenged President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination and later ran as an independent before aligning with the Republican Party.

In a deal with Trump, Kennedy endorsed him in exchange for a leadership role at HHS. Since then, the two have developed a close alliance, campaigning together, with Trump declaring his intention to give Kennedy a substantial role in public health as part of his “Make America Healthy Again” vision.

Kennedy is also known as one of the most vocal anti-vaccine activists globally and has authored several books, including Crimes Against Nature (2005) and The Real Anthony Fauci (2021), both bestsellers. His work also includes children’s books on American history and St. Francis of Assisi.