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More than 300 scientists and physicians have signed a letter in support of President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“The cornerstone of scientific progress has always been the fearless pursuit of truth through rigorous inquiry and open debate,” the letter states. “We want the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services to champion people with concerns about their health, chronic diseases, health policies, and environmental toxins, and who will not avoid discussing contentious issues.”
As of Friday morning, the open letter has 331 endorsements, though no specific organization has taken responsibility for it. Prominent figures who have signed include vaccine scientist Dr. Robert Malone, Cleveland Clinic adviser Dr. Mark Hyman, and bestselling author Nina Teicholz, who promoted the letter online.
“Irrespective of whether we all agree with all of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s positions and beliefs, it is clear that he believes in the scientific method and the right to further investigation and constructive discourse,” the letter reads.
A Challenging Confirmation Process
National Public Radio reported this week that Kennedy’s nomination could face hurdles in the Senate, with opposition coming from members of both major parties. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, a Democrat and physician, called Kennedy “dangerous” in a New York Times op-ed, citing his controversial views on vaccines. Meanwhile, former Vice President Mike Pence urged senators to oppose Kennedy’s confirmation over his abortion stance.
“I believe the nomination of RFK Jr. to serve as Secretary of HHS is an abrupt departure from the pro-life record of our administration and should be deeply concerning to millions of pro-life Americans,” Pence stated.
However, some senators, like Republican Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, remain optimistic. Johnson, who hosted Kennedy at a Senate roundtable on nutrition last year, said, “It’s certainly possible and even hopeful” that Kennedy could secure bipartisan support following his meetings with lawmakers.
Public opinion surveys indicate a mixed reception. While policies such as banning harmful food additives and improving school nutrition enjoy widespread approval, Kennedy’s stance on issues like raw milk and water fluoridation has raised concerns.
Industry and Political Opposition
Kennedy’s reforms targeting the food and pharmaceutical industries could be a major obstacle to his confirmation. Dr. Christopher Palmer, a Harvard psychiatrist, speculated that these industries might work against Kennedy’s nomination. Tony Lyons, a co-founder of the American Values PAC, estimated that efforts to disrupt Kennedy’s confirmation already amount to “millions of dollars,” citing opposition from groups like the Sixteen Thirty Fund.
The Wall Street Journal previously reported that major soda companies have intensified lobbying efforts against Kennedy, anticipating his proposals to cut subsidies for sugary beverages and revamp federal nutrition policies.
Despite these challenges, Lyons maintains that Kennedy’s vision offers significant economic and health benefits for average Americans, stating, “Kennedy’s reforms will save the average American hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each year on health and medical bills.”
For now, Kennedy faces the uphill battle of persuading lawmakers and overcoming well-funded opposition in Washington.
