Some of Kennedy Jr.'s advice was especially popular with young people.Image: trapezoid
As conspiracy theorists take on health officials, experts fear a dark age for science is coming. Some of his advice was particularly popular with young people. What does Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plan to do in his new government position? How problematic is his idea?
Natasha Hähni and Simon Maurer / ch media
It's now confirmed: Newly-elected US President Donald Trump has chosen Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his nominee for health secretary. It's the latest in a series of contentious Republican nominations for Cabinet posts. If Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate, he wanted to rebuild a “corrupt cabinet.” On election night, Trump said Kennedy might be “crazy” on health care.
This is a headache for many experts. The nephew of former US President John F. Kennedy Jr. has caused a stir in the past, especially with controversial statements and actions. Vaccination skeptics say vaccinations can cause autism in children, WiFi can cause cancer and certain chemicals in water can affect children's sexual behavior.
However, some of his ideas were particularly popular with young people. Before the 70-year-old Kennedy threw his support behind the Republican nominee, Kennedy was one of the most popular independent presidential candidates in recent decades. At the same time, he managed to convince up to 15% of voters. His popularity among young voters emerged time and time again in conversations during the campaign. For many, Trump's partnership with Kennedy was one of the reasons they voted Republican on Nov. 5.
In addition to his successful social media presence, the enthusiasm for the former presidential candidate comes from a less than promising start to his job. “We know our food is poisoned by many pesticides and additives,” a young man from Texas told CH Media. In fact, life expectancy in the United States is five to six years lower than in Europe. Three-quarters of the population are also overweight or obese. “Bobby,” as Trump fans call him, is now on a mission to make Americans healthy again. The fact that he has no scientific or medical qualifications – before his political career, he was an environmental lawyer – hardly bothers anyone, least of all Republicans.
“RFK” has also made headlines in recent years for some bizarre stories. They range from accusations of molestation against Kennedy by a former nanny, to complaints in divorce papers that brain parasites caused memory loss, to a bear carcass he dumped in New York's Central Park a decade ago.
But now he wants to focus entirely on health care. “We have an opportunity to bring together the best minds in science, medicine, industry and government to end the chronic disease epidemic,” he wrote on “X” in response to Trump’s nomination. Here are his most important plans – and here's how realistic they are to be implemented:
big pharma
Kennedy has repeatedly pledged to eliminate the “wall” between the pharmaceutical industry and health authorities. Some of his left-wing political opponents also see the FDA, the top U.S. regulator, as uneasy about the industry.
In fact, Americans pay about three times more for their drugs than the average for all other countries, according to several recent studies by leading health analysts. In fact, FDA directors have switched sides after serving as head of the agency and taking high-paying jobs in the pharmaceutical industry. Nine of the last 10 FDA chiefs entered the pharmaceutical industry after their terms ended.
Observers also complained about financing problems at the agency. Three-quarters of their budget for reviewing new drug approvals comes directly from the pharmaceutical industry.
Vaccination
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made many contradictory statements about vaccinations, especially before and during the coronavirus pandemic. Among other things, “COVID-19 is the deadliest vaccine ever produced,” but his recent statements suggest he wants a softer approach.
After Trump was elected, Kennedy told MSNBC: “I'm not going to take the vaccine away from anybody. I just want people to be fully informed.” Today, he dodged a question about COVID-19 vaccinations, an issue Kennedy has criticized in the past . Because Kennedy has made so many conflicting statements about vaccinations, it's impossible to say what he will do about it as health secretary.
Fluoride in drinking water
Kennedy's most concrete promise: On his first days in office, he wanted to recommend that U.S. authorities stop allowing fluoride into drinking water because it was an industrial waste that made people sick and lowered their IQs.
Supporters of the practice, including major U.S. medical associations, believe fluoride prevents cavities and improves dental health. At the same time, most scientists agree that this only applies up to a maximum limit, and that fluoride concentrations above that limit are harmful to health.
Switzerland stopped fluoridating drinking water in the 1960s and invented a different method: mixing salt and toothpaste with the substance. This approach has now been adopted by dozens of other countries around the world because it is more targeted.
Veterans Drugs
“I will legalize marijuana, tax it and put the money into recovery programs,” Kennedy said in a campaign appearance. He also wants to allow the use of psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin in “psychedelic mushrooms” , especially as therapeutic drugs for veterans, as they help treat many mental illnesses.
food industry
Kennedy harshly criticized the U.S. food industry and authorities. In the United States, fruit bars consist only of chemicals, while in other countries they are much healthier. As an example, he cited the artificial food coloring “Red 3,” which is banned in Europe and which he and others want banned. A bipartisan group of senators also supports it.
Kennedy also declared war on manufacturer lobbying. For example, he wants to prevent industry from influencing health organizations' campaigns, such as those against artificially added sugars.
Kennedy recently told MSNBC that he wanted to fire “the entire department.” His plan would trigger an earthquake not only in the authorities, but also in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It's still unclear whether he can actually implement it. Like other Trump Cabinet nominations, Kennedy has faced opposition from Senate Republicans. The committee must confirm the former Democrat to his new role.
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