Trump taps RFK Jr. to lead Department of Health and Human Services
SUMMARY
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), emphasizing Kennedy’s commitment to public health and reform. Trump stated that Kennedy would address issues related to “harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives,” targeting an overhaul of health policies to protect Americans. Kennedy, who endorsed Trump after suspending his own presidential campaign, has been vocal about his concerns regarding FDA and CDC practices. He argued that parts of these agencies need reform, specifically critiquing the FDA’s standards for food additives, which he says are more stringent in other countries. Transition team spokesperson Karoline Leavitt praised Kennedy as a "once in a generation thought leader," while Trump’s broader reform plan also includes Elon Musk’s role leading the Department of Government Efficiency, focused on reducing government waste and improving transparency.
