RFK Jr. vows to reform FDA after Trump nomination as health secretary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pledged to reform the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after being nominated as health secretary by President-elect Donald Trump. He has criticized the FDA for being influenced by the pharmaceutical industry. Kennedy's plans may face challenges due to the FDA's funding structure, which relies heavily on fees from drug manufacturers. This funding model raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest within the agency. Pharmaceutical executives have expressed worries 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 upcoming changes.