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 reorganize it, potentially firing staff and reversing decisions on vaccines and food safety. He has also expressed intentions to change 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 alternative health approaches and prevent funding for researchers with conflicts of interest. He has not prioritized changes to Medicare and Medicaid but advocates for covering gym memberships and healthy food instead of expensive drugs.