RFK Jr. Aims to Transform Health Policy in the United States. Good Luck with That.

During a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York, former President Donald Trump expressed that he would allow Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to speak openly on health issues, including diet and medication. Kennedy, a former Democrat, suspended his presidential campaign in August and has shown his support for Trump. Since then, he has launched the "Make America Healthy Again" campaign, aimed at addressing chronic diseases, an initiative that Trump has begun to adopt in recent weeks.

Kennedy's stance against vaccines and his tendency towards conspiracy theories raise concerns among experts and former government officials about how his views could influence the country's health agenda. Kennedy has made unfounded statements about vaccine safety and promoted unproven treatments for Covid-19, such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine. In his campaign, he has criticized vegetable oils, attributing various chronic health conditions to their use in processed foods.

The impact that Kennedy could have on national health policy will depend on his position in a potential Trump administration. Although Trump did not specify his possible role during the Sunday event, it was reported that Kennedy claimed Trump had promised him control over public health agencies. However, representatives from Trump’s campaign indicated that it is still premature to discuss names for a second administration.

There has been speculation that Kennedy could be considered to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, which encompasses 80,000 federal employees, or one of its agencies, such as the FDA or the CDC. This would represent a shift from previous health appointments, which typically featured individuals with experience in government or public health.

Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, campaign director and daughter-in-law of the former candidate, stated that Kennedy's mission is to eliminate conflicts and corruption in agencies, ensuring that all testing is conducted by scientists free from economic interests. Although the NIH already requires the results of clinical trials they fund to be published, concerns persist about how his views might affect these processes.

Jerome Adams, former U.S. Surgeon General, explained that while Kennedy could be appointed to a significant public health position, his lack of medical training and controversial stances could hinder his rise. Congressional approval is needed for these positions, and his views could be a barrier. However, if Republicans gain control of the Senate, this dynamic could change.

If appointed FDA commissioner, Kennedy would have influence over the agency's budget and priorities, potentially leading to the implementation of officials who share his vision. Although the commissioner does not have the final say on the approval of new medications, political pressure can influence that process. Additionally, he could appoint members to FDA advisory committees that make recommendations on drug approvals.

Kennedy is also considering the position of Secretary of Agriculture. He has promised to address issues related to industrial farming and reduce pesticide use, positioning his campaign as a challenge to the corporate interests of the agricultural sector. However, his background as an environmental activist could complicate his nomination, as his suitability could be questioned before Congress.

While he may not have the capacity to significantly impact pesticide regulation, his intention to "arm" other agencies against chemical agriculture and his desire to revise U.S. dietary guidelines could amplify his influence. Nevertheless, experts believe that Kennedy's more extreme positions would likely be constrained by existing bureaucracy.

The prospect of a vaccine skeptic and conspiracy theorist occupying such a high position raises serious concerns about the direction of health policies in the event of a second Trump administration.