Seventy-seven Nobel Prize winners have publicly denounced President-elect Donald Trump's decision to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services. Their concerns, outlined in a letter initially reported by the New York Times, focus on Kennedy's perceived lack of relevant experience in health science or administration, his stance against vaccines, and his promotion of what they deem to be conspiracy theories related to established medical treatments.
The laureates argue that entrusting Kennedy with the leadership of the HHS would endanger public health and diminish America's standing in the global health arena. They point to Kennedy's history of opposing established public health measures, such as vaccination and water fluoridation, as evidence of the potential harm his leadership could cause. They also reference his questioning of the scientific consensus on HIV/AIDS.
Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and activist, founded the Children's Health Defense, an organization that has been criticized for disseminating vaccine misinformation. He recently endorsed Trump for president after running his own independent presidential campaign. Trump announced his intention to nominate Kennedy for the HHS post in November.
The Nobel laureates also criticize Kennedy's antagonistic stance towards the very agencies he would be leading, including the FDA, CDC, and NIH. Kennedy has previously accused the FDA of corruption and advocated for significant personnel changes within the agency. He has labeled the CDC's vaccine division a "fascist enterprise" and accused health agencies of being unduly influenced by pharmaceutical companies.
The laureates emphasize the importance of appointing a health secretary who will support and strengthen these institutions, not undermine them. They believe the next leader should build upon the existing foundation of evidence-based science and maintain the respected status of these vital agencies.
If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee a substantial health policy apparatus encompassing 13 agencies, a $2 trillion budget, and responsibility for programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. Kennedy has stated his priorities are to address corruption within health agencies, re-establish a commitment to evidence-based science, and improve the nation's health by combating chronic diseases.
Kennedy's nomination is not the first to draw scrutiny over perceived lack of health experience. Conservative groups previously opposed President Biden's nomination of Xavier Becerra, a lawyer and former congressman, to the same position. Becerra was ultimately confirmed with minimal Republican support.
