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

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). If confirmed, he would oversee the FDA, CDC, and NIH, which have significant influence over public health policies and a combined budget of over $1.7 trillion. Kennedy has criticized the FDA's handling of vaccines and has threatened to reorganize the agency, potentially firing staff and reversing decisions on food safety and drug approvals. He has also expressed intentions to change CDC guidelines on fluoride in drinking water. At NIH, Kennedy aims to shift funding towards alternative health approaches and prevent conflicts of interest among researchers. He has not focused on expanding coverage for expensive diabetes drugs under Medicare and Medicaid, instead advocating for funding healthier lifestyle options.