Lobbyists push back against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for Health Secretary

Lobbyists in Washington are working to block the Senate confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the position of US Secretary of Health and Human Services.

On November 15, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Kennedy Jr. for the role, a move that has stirred concern among lobbyists.

Politico reports that some lobbyists, who were hoping for a more traditional candidate, are now strategizing on how to prevent the Senate from approving Kennedy Jr.'s nomination, per Caliber.Az.

Since Trump's announcement, lobbyists' phones have reportedly been "ringing off the hook," as major corporations leverage their connections to limit potential risks from Kennedy Jr.'s appointment, Politico notes.

Trump's announcement came on November 15, marking his decision to nominate Kennedy Jr. for the health secretary position. Kennedy Jr., a former Democrat, ran as an independent candidate in the 2024 election. However, he later chose to support Trump, citing shared views on key issues like free speech and economic independence. He explained that his endorsement was driven by his belief in the need for change and a renewed commitment to American values, as well as a desire to reduce the influence of elites in Washington's decision-making process.

Kennedy Jr. also shared plans to cut the FDA's workforce and conduct a staff overhaul at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

In October, he wrote on social media, "The FDA's war on public health will soon be over," referring to the agency’s crackdown on alternative treatments like psychedelics, peptides, stem cells, raw milk, and sunlight. "If you work at the FDA and are part of this corrupt system, I have two messages for you: 1. Save your records, and 2. Pack your things."

Earlier in November, Kennedy Jr. suggested removing fluoride from public water systems, citing concerns that the chemical could be linked to bone fractures and cancer. However, the American Dental Association maintains that fluoride in drinking water reduces tooth decay by more than 25% in both children and adults.

In September, Kennedy Jr. criticized an article in the New York Times about the weight-loss drug Ozempic, claiming that instead of addressing the root causes of the food system and the obesity crisis, the focus was on a drug that only treated symptoms while enriching pharmaceutical companies.

Kennedy Jr. has faced repeated criticism for his stance on vaccines, which he has linked to rising rates of autism. He has also been accused of spreading misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Kennedy Jr. rejects the label of "anti-vaxxer," he has called for more rigorous vaccine testing and oversight.

In March, while still running for president, Kennedy Jr. stated that Americans who wished to receive vaccines would still have access, but expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the measles vaccine.

The Financial Times reported earlier that Kennedy Jr.'s influence over Trump has raised concerns within the pharmaceutical industry. Companies are reportedly worried that Kennedy Jr.'s potential appointment, given his vaccine scepticism, could hinder research and vaccine distribution in the US. According to the FT, Kennedy Jr. would likely have significant influence in a second Trump administration, which could lead to the appointment of other vaccine sceptics to senior positions and trigger a major overhaul of vaccine regulations.

By Tamilla Hasanova