Robert F. Kennedy Jr. outlines plans to reshape US health agencies if confirmed as HHS chief

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If confirmed, he would oversee the agency's $1.7 trillion budget and its extensive public health responsibilities. Kennedy has criticized the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and plans to make significant changes, including potentially firing staff and reversing decisions on vaccines and food safety. He has also expressed intentions to alter the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) fluoride recommendations in drinking water. Additionally, Kennedy aims to shift the National Institutes of Health (NIH) focus towards preventive and holistic health approaches. He has suggested that Medicare and Medicaid should cover gym memberships and healthy food instead of expensive drugs for conditions like diabetes.