Kennedy vows to reform FDA as Trump’s health secretary nominee

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pledged to overhaul the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after being nominated as health secretary by President-elect Donald Trump. Kennedy has criticized the FDA for being influenced by the pharmaceutical industry, which funds a significant portion of its budget. Kennedy's plans may face challenges due to the FDA's structure and funding. Nearly half of the agency's budget comes from user fees paid by drug manufacturers, and any major changes would require stripping protections from federal employees. Pharmaceutical industry leaders have expressed concerns about Kennedy's views on vaccines, emphasizing the importance of the FDA's role in ensuring drug safety. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf reassured staff that the agency will continue its critical work despite potential changes ahead.