In a recent interview, Donald Trump hinted at a major shift in public health policy if elected, potentially involving a ban on certain vaccines. Trump suggested that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal vaccine critic, could lead this overhaul, fueling speculation over changes to long-standing health practices in the United States.
During an NBC interview, Trump confirmed his intention to give Kennedy, an independent candidate who recently endorsed him, a significant role in his administration. RFK Jr. is known for promoting controversial theories linking vaccines to autism—a claim widely debunked by scientific research. Trump’s willingness to entertain Kennedy’s ideas on public health could signal an unprecedented approach to vaccine policies.
When asked about the possibility of banning vaccines, Trump responded cautiously, “I’ll make a decision,” adding that Kennedy’s “strong views” would play a role in shaping policy. Additionally, Trump didn’t dismiss Kennedy’s proposal to end water fluoridation, a common practice backed by health experts for reducing dental disease. “It sounds OK to me,” Trump remarked, raising concerns about how public health policies could be affected.
Kennedy has stated that Trump promised him authority over multiple agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Trump has yet to specify Kennedy’s responsibilities but told supporters in New York that Kennedy would have “freedom” to reform food and medicine regulations.
Howard Lutnick, co-chair of Trump’s campaign, bolstered Kennedy’s statements, noting that he could be granted access to federal vaccine safety data. Lutnick suggested Kennedy would aim to prove vaccines’ risks using government data, calling it “pretty cool” to let Kennedy analyze the information.
With Trump’s endorsement of Kennedy’s agenda, experts warn of the implications for public health. The potential changes, including a vaccine ban, could affect millions, sparking a national debate on the future of health and safety standards in the U.S.
