In an unexpected move that has caused ripples across the political landscape, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a pivotal health role within the federal government. The decision to entrust Kennedy with the oversight of key health organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has attracted significant attention. In parallel, Joseph Ladapo, another figure known for contrarian views on public health and vaccines, has been recommended by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as the premier health official under Trump’s prospective administration.
Kennedy and Ladapo, however, are not only controversial for their unconventional beliefs but also due to their promotion of conspiracy theories. The duo has faced backlash for their contentious stance on COVID-19 vaccines. Upon Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump, the latter made the rather audacious declaration that he would permit Kennedy to ‘go wild on health.’
In the wake of his appointment, Trump hailed Kennedy as the incoming Secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Trump’s commending phrases painted Kennedy as the one to ‘restore the Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research,’ and to bring an end to ‘the Chronic Disease epidemic,’ all in an effort to champion a healthier America.
While Kennedy’s appointment continues to attract national attention, Ladapo’s own path in Florida lends us some foresights on possible issues on the horizon. Whether the Senate will give a nod to Kennedy, however, remains uncertain. Some from the GOP have already voiced worries regarding Kennedy’s appointment as head of HHS.
Kennedy, known for his disapproval of COVID vaccines, has spread doubtful information about vaccine efficacy and safety. Ladapo, currently serving Florida’s Department of Health, faced a similar backlash for promoting misleading information about the vaccines. His department has even issued a statement advising against the vaccination of children.
Dr. Jeffrey Goldhagen voiced his distaste for Ladapo’s appointment as Florida’s surgeon general, emphasizing his background isn’t relevant to a public health position. In fact, Dr. Goldhagen went further to assert that Ladapo had disseminated falsehoods about the scientific facts of vaccines.
Moreover, the controversial policies, propagated by both Ladapo and Governor DeSantis, were under scrutiny for causing a serious setback in Florida’s fight against COVID-19. It was implied that thousands of individuals had suffered and succumbed to the disease due to these contentious policies relating to COVID vaccines.
Ladapo’s journey to confirmation was not without hurdles and was finally affirmed by the Florida Senate in the Republican-led Legislature. Meanwhile, Kennedy, considered a divisive character, is expected to walk a similar tightrope during his confirmation process due to views that veer significantly from conventional medical advice, leading many to believe this could put public health at risk.
Kennedy has pronounced disconcerting views such as suggesting that COVID-19 could have been ‘ethnically targeted.’ He has perpetuated the disproven theory that childhood vaccines cause autism. His public health stance has been correlatively linked to an upswing in vaccine hesitancy in Florida.
This hesitancy has inadvertently led to decreased child vaccination rates statewide and resulted in a measles outbreak. During the said outbreak, public health guidelines were violated, allowing children who were not vaccinated to attend school. Consequently, parents were pressed to decide whether to vaccify their children or risk sending them to school unprotected.
Public health experts have been vocal about their disapproval of Ladapo’s opposition to proven health measures and what they perceive to be a lack of urgency on his part. Meanwhile, Kennedy’s reaction to criticism has been somewhat different, expressing gratitude through a post.
Prior to his appointment, Vice President Kamala Harris had commented on the possible negative implications of Kennedy steering the health department. She claimed during her unsuccessful presidential campaign that he was the ‘exact last person in America who should be setting health care policy for America’s families and children.’
Despite the backlash, there is some level of approval for Kennedy. GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana commended Kennedy, asserting his advocacy for healthful food and increased transparency in public health.