Is RFK Jr. the right choice for Dept. of Health?

Danna (No)

Past Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretaries have ranged from physicians to state officials, all with backgrounds aligned to the department's public health, social services, and welfare responsibilities. Most Secretaries have advanced degrees in relevant fields, reflecting the multidisciplinary expertise necessary to balance healthcare delivery, public health initiatives, and welfare programs.

RFK Jr. holds no formal qualifications in medicine, public health, or related scientific disciplines. His academic background includes a BA in history and literature, a JD in law, and an advanced environmental law degree—none focusing on clinical or scientific research. Passion or popularity does not equal expertise. Nepotism prioritizes relationships over qualifications. When we lower the bar, we diminish the office's history and integrity.

Beyond being unqualified, RFK Jr. has actively harmed public trust by spreading misinformation and fostering conspiracy theories. Progressive change cannot arise from conspiracy. One stark example of harm occurred when 82 children died in Samoa after RFK Jr. leveraged human error to fuel anti-vaccination misinformation. As a leading figure in the science denial movement, he has contributed to the erosion of science literacy and public health. His platform promotes baseless claims, including demonizing sustainable food, lying about ingredients used globally, and misrepresenting essential public health measures like water fluoridation and glyphosate safety. RFK Jr. has also profited significantly through litigation against companies he has deemed harmful. Notably, he founded Children’s Health Defense (CHD), widely regarded by scientific experts as one of the most damaging disinformation organizations.

RFK Jr. is not the right choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. His lack of qualifications and track record of spreading misinformation make him unfit for this critical role.

Mark (Yes)

One look at RFK Jr., and you can see why President-Elect Donald Trump has selected him to head The Department Of Health. At 70, the man is in fantastic shape. He obviously understands the crucial relationship between diet and health. He has vowed to make a concerted effort to improve what Americans eat. There has been a growing concern about chemical additives in our food, and RFK Jr. is listening to the American people.  

He also promises to prioritize mental health and feels that there is a correlation between what we’re eating and what we’re feeling/internalizing. It’s long overdue that the government started taking mental health more seriously, and it’s reassuring to know that RFK Jr. is cognizant of this. One of the criticisms many nations and activists have against the US is the amount of ultra-processed foods with harmful chemicals we allow into our food. Many stores overseas sell American foods with warning labels or cleaner versions of American foods altogether. America is waking up to the fact that we have a health problem, mainly due to the processed foods with chemicals we consume, which is directly to blame for the uptick of obesity and chronic disease.

RFK Jr. has been transparent and specific about his plans as DHS head. He echoes millions of Americans who feel the FDA has not prioritized American health. With RFK Jr. in charge, studies that have never been done will be done, and the organization under DHS (like the NIH) will be questioned and required to give clear, definitive responses. It’s time to get back to our best as a nation, and RFK Jr. is the right man to lead the way regarding overhauling our health.