Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has claimed he was promised “control of the public health agencies” by former President Donald Trump, though Trump’s intentions regarding Kennedy’s potential role at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) remain uncertain. What does seem clear, however, is that if Trump were re-elected, Kennedy would likely wield significant influence over U.S. public health policy.
In footage obtained by CNN, Kennedy claimed Trump had assured him control over HHS and other key health agencies, including the CDC, FDA, and NIH. Yet, this assertion was contradicted by Howard Lutnick, co-chair of Trump’s transition team, who stated in a CNN interview that Kennedy “would not get a job” at HHS. Trump, too, has stopped short of fully endorsing Kennedy’s controversial anti-vaccination stance. In a recent NBC News interview, when asked about a potential vaccine ban, Trump said he would “talk to him [Kennedy] and other people before making a decision,” neither embracing nor dismissing Kennedy’s position.
Trump’s relationship with Kennedy may be complex, but his remarks have sent encouraging signals to anti-vaccine advocates. Trump has praised Kennedy, calling him “a great guy” whose aim is “to make people healthy.” Additionally, Trump appears open to Kennedy’s campaign against water fluoridation. On X, Kennedy has claimed that a Trump administration would support removing fluoride from public water, alleging health risks despite widespread scientific support for fluoridation’s benefits. When asked about a possible fluoride ban, Trump responded, “It sounds OK to me. You know, it’s possible,” leaving the door open to such measures if elected.
Whether or not Trump would implement Kennedy’s specific health policies, the prospect of Kennedy shaping U.S. health policy is palpable. Even without an official appointment, Kennedy’s influence could shift national health priorities in dramatic ways if Trump returns to the White House.
