Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched his presidential campaign on April 19, 2023, initially seeking the Democratic Party nomination. Known for his environmental activism and controversial views on vaccines, Kennedy focused on issues like clean government, civil liberties, and economic revitalization. However, facing challenges within the Democratic primary process, he switched to an independent run on October 9, 2023. His campaign aimed to offer an alternative to the traditional two-party system, garnering support from independents, youth, and some Republican donors, viewing him as a potential spoiler for Biden. Despite gaining ballot access in several states, his support waned over time.
By August 23, 2024, Kennedy suspended his campaign, citing a shift in Democratic Party values away from those he grew up with. He endorsed Donald Trump, believing they shared views on key issues like free speech and the war in Ukraine. Kennedy’s decision was influenced by discussions with Trump, especially after an assassination attempt on Trump, aiming to unify against what he saw as common threats. He removed his name from battleground state ballots to avoid splitting votes that could disadvantage Trump, while still encouraging votes for him in non-swing states. This move was controversial, with some seeing it as a strategic alliance, while others viewed it as a significant departure from his initial independent stance.
He actively and emotionally campaigned with Donald Trump bringing his Make America Healthy Again supporters over to MAGA. Trump has promised Bobby that he will release all government documentation on the assassination of his father and uncle.
Yesterday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., was finally confirmed as U.S. Health Secretary, giving him control of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees a $3 trillion health agency. His confirmation came after deep scrutiny of his past statements on vaccines and public health, where he has called for greater transparency and safety data, stating he is not against vaccines but seeks more scrutiny of their development and regulation.
Some senators (many who have received massive payments from Big Pharma) and public health experts raised concerns about his views, while others supported his focus on challenging industry influence. Despite opposition from Senate Democrats, Kennedy secured enough votes for confirmation, with backing from Republican senators like Ron Johnson, but not Mitch McConnell who used his polio as a reason to vote against yet another MAGA candidate.
"President Trump and I did a handshake, and everything that he told me he was gonna do, he has done. And I'm so grateful to him, and I've told you before: I genuinely believe that you are a pivotal historical figure, and you are gonna transform this country." –@RobertKennedyJr
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 13, 2025pic.twitter.com/H35rf6nygM
Kennedy says he aims to address chronic disease and regulatory reform, aligning with Trump’s directives, marking a significant shift in U.S. health leadership.
His likely policies
What’s Going to Happen Now:
- Vaccine Policy: Kennedy has pledged to protect existing vaccination programs, which means he will maintain the CDC’s advisory committee on immunization practices and not remove statements on the CDC’s website noting that vaccines do not cause autism. (Hmmm, we’ll see how that pans out.) This suggests a focus on vaccine safety rather than outright opposition, aligning with his statements during confirmation hearings where he emphasized being “pro-safety” rather than “anti-vaccine.”
- Health and Food Policy: Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda includes addressing chronic disease through safe and healthy food policies. He has promised to remove conflicts of interest at U.S. health agencies and use gold-standard science, potentially leading to stricter regulations on food additives and a focus on reducing obesity and diabetes through dietary changes.
- Abortion: Kennedy has indicated he would follow Trump’s directive on abortion, supporting legal access up to fetal viability. However, he might face scrutiny over his past comments on full-term pregnancies, which he clarified to mean support up to viability.
- Medicare and Medicaid: As HHS Secretary, Kennedy would oversee Medicare and Medicaid, which might involve implementing Trump’s policies on these programs, potentially focusing on efficiency, reducing fraud, and possibly aligning with Trump’s broader healthcare reform ideas.