Vice President Kamala Harris issued a smackdown to RFK Jr.
Harris voiced strong opposition to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. potentially leading U.S. public health policy under a second Trump administration, deeming him the “last person” suitable for the role.
Harris criticized Trump’s consideration of Kennedy for such a position, citing his history of promoting “junk science” and conspiracy theories, as well as his stance on a national abortion ban.
“He’s the exact last person in America who should be setting health care policy for America’s families and children,” Harris said, the Hill reported.
Recent statements from Kennedy and the Trump campaign suggest that if Trump is reelected, he could wield significant influence over public health and food policy.
Trump has reportedly promised Kennedy authority over significant health agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, FDA, and USDA.
Kennedy claimed that Trump encouraged him to “go wild” on regulating food and medicine to pursue healthier standards, notably shifting away from seed oils and pesticide-heavy farming practices.
Harris previously cited Trump’s collaboration with Kennedy as evidence of his unsuitability for office.
Sharing her views on X, Harris stated, “Putting an anti-abortion conspiracy theorist in charge of our public health agencies says everything you need to know about how Donald Trump would govern.”
Kennedy is also an outspoken anti-vaxxer who his family has largely spurned. Over the summer, many of his relatives posed for a picture with President Joe Biden at the White House, and several noted that he was not included.
Kennedy’s uncle was the 35th President of the United States, and his father was U.S. Attorney General. Both were assassinated.
Kennedy has a longstanding reputation as an anti-vaccine advocate, known for debunked claims linking vaccines to autism.
Though he resists the “anti-vaccine” label, Kennedy has asserted there is no “safe and effective” vaccine. Health experts worry his influence could reverse significant public health progress, with critics pointing to a 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa, where Kennedy’s public support of vaccine opponents was said to have contributed to the health crisis.
Kennedy has disputed these allegations, denying he advised anyone against vaccination in Samoa. However, his ambitions reportedly include obtaining federal data to question the safety of vaccines.
Howard Lutnick, co-chair of the Trump-Vance transition team, confirmed in a CNN interview that Kennedy may pursue efforts to restrict vaccine access if given federal authority.
