On Thursday, President-elect Donald Trump announced Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Trump shared his excitement in a post on X, saying, “I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).”
Kennedy Jr., a nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, brings a strong background in environmental and health advocacy. He founded the Waterkeeper Alliance, the largest global clean water advocacy organization, and led it as both chairman and attorney.
Trump went on to criticize what he sees as the “industrial food complex and drug companies” for their impact on public health. He accused these industries of promoting “deception, misinformation, and disinformation.” Trump committed to making Americans’ health a top priority, and he sees HHS as crucial in protecting the public from harmful chemicals, pollutants, and food additives.
Trump expressed confidence in Kennedy’s ability to restore integrity to health agencies. “Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!” Trump remarked.
Responding to Trump’s announcement, Kennedy thanked him for his “leadership and courage.” He committed himself to Trump’s vision of making America healthier. “Thank you @realDonaldTrump for your leadership and courage. I’m committed to advancing your vision to Make America Healthy Again,” Kennedy stated. He also emphasized his goal of gathering experts across science, medicine, and government to fight the chronic disease crisis.
Kennedy outlined his plans to lead HHS’s 80,000 employees in focusing on the public good rather than corporate interests. “Together we will clean up corruption, stop the revolving door between industry and government, and return our health agencies to their rich tradition of gold-standard, evidence-based science,” he affirmed. Committed to transparency, Kennedy promised to provide Americans with accessible data to help them make well-informed health choices. He assured, “My commitment to the American people is to be an honest public servant. Let’s go!”
In a historic achievement, Trump won a second term by securing 295 electoral votes, defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, who received 226 votes. Trump’s re-election makes him the first president since 1892 to serve non-consecutive terms, joining Grover Cleveland, who did so in the late 19th century. This victory returns Trump to the White House after his first term from 2016 to 2020.
