On Nov. 14, President-elect Trump set the medical world ablaze with his nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a known anti-vaxxer, to run the Department of Health and Human Services. Outlining his endorsement with the vow to let the new nominee “go wild on health,” during his tenure, Trump may very well have just invited the whole zoo to the White House.
From being accused of slinging substance to his peers at Harvard to being the bannerman in the environmentalist fight against Monsanto, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to say that Jr. is kinda dope. His journey from being the juvenile delinquent of an esteemed family name to becoming a top environmental lawyer is certainly worthy of a Hollywood biopic at first glance; however, for every one positive aspect of Kennedy, there are a multitude of absolutely insane characteristics that should automatically disqualify him from a position in the Department of Health and Human Services. In regard to public health, his general opposition to vaccines and psychiatric science may have pernicious ramifications on our nation.
Notably, Kennedy Jr. has branded himself as a vocal opponent of vaccine mandates. His presidential campaign served as a legitimization of conspiracy theories regarding the purposes and practicality of vaccines. Kennedy Jr. has only damaged public health awareness by integrating fringe medical theories into the political mainstream. As the Head of the Department of Health and Human Services, it is highly likely that he will make attempts to weaken vaccine mandates. Openly campaigning against MMR vaccines, the ascension of RFK Jr. could correlate to the revival of various public health threats. It’s clear: RFK Jr.'s vaccine policies don’t benefit anyone, except for possibly iron lung manufacturers, who one must think would be desperately hoping for the return of polio to bring them back in business.
Concerns regarding Kennedy Jr. are not solely confined to his anti-vax advocacy, but there are valid criticisms to be made for his arguments against the science of psychiatry. Rooted in his fair concerns regarding the role of Big Pharma in over-medicalizing mental health, Kennedy Jr. instead advocates for pseudo-scientific holistic remedies. His avid promotion of alternative medicine will not only further stigmatize mental health issues, but it will weaken the support systems in place for those who suffer. Who would’ve thought that the man with worm meal for a mind would fail to adequately understand brain science?
Despite all of these possible issues associated with a Kennedy-run Department of Health, there are certainly beneficial intentions of the nomination. A significant characteristic of Kennedy Jr. is his record on environmentalism—a trait that would greatly distinguish him from the largely corporate picks of Trump. Through his work with the Waterkeeper Alliance, Jr. would likely fight for increased protection from pollution and shape public policy related to water quality. Further, his contempt for Big Pharma will certainly be manifested through his efforts to lengthen clinical trials and limit industry ties between pharmaceutical companies and regulating bodies. Jr., just like his old man before him, is a firebrand who will pave his own path in the world of national politics.
With the prospect of RFK Jr. going “wild on health” during his tenure in the Department of Health and Human Resources, it is important to recognize the good, bad, and ugly of the man. His nomination is a reflection of the unpredictability of Trump himself, as he frequently flaunts his ability to flout decorum and the status quo. Though positive changes may be made, the mere concept of a former dope dealer dealing with national policy and making it to the White House is pretty trippy.
Photo Credit: RFK Jr's Facebook
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