Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aims to reform US health agencies if confirmed as HHS Secretary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been nominated to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees a $1.7 trillion budget and numerous public health agencies. His confirmation would mark a significant shift in leadership, given his history of criticizing these agencies. Kennedy has promised to reform the Food and Drug Administration, suggesting he may remove staff and overturn decisions, particularly regarding vaccines and food safety. He has also indicated plans to change the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's fluoride recommendations and to alter the National Institutes of Health's funding priorities. While Kennedy has focused on the FDA and CDC, he has been less vocal about the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He has suggested that these programs should finance healthier lifestyle options instead of expensive weight-loss drugs.