Seventy-seven Nobel laureates have signed a letter asking the Senate to oppose the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The New York Times reported Monday.
In a letter, 77 Nobel laureates in medicine, chemistry, physics and economics expressed concerns about Mr Kennedy's lack of “relevant experience” and some of the public positions he had taken. He said that
“In addition to his lack of qualifications or relevant experience in medicine, science, public health, or government, Mr. Kennedy has opposed many vaccines that protect health and save lives, including those that prevent measles and polio. Drinking Water Critics of the proven positive effects of fluoridation; promoters of conspiracy theories that treatments for AIDS and other diseases have been remarkably successful; and respected government agencies, especially the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control, “The National Institutes of Health),'' the letter said.
“Leader of DHHS [Department of Health and Human Services] “We must continue to nurture and improve, not threaten, these important and highly respected institutions and their employees,” the letter continued.
President-elect Trump's nomination of Kennedy has raised concerns among some Democrats and public health officials, who fear that Kennedy will interfere with key government agencies and exacerbate vaccine hesitancy. They say they are concerned that the government could directly fund government agencies to support their preferred views.
If confirmed, Mr. Kennedy would lead a department that oversees 13 separate agencies, has a budget of nearly $2 trillion, and administers federal health care programs including Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. HHS and its subordinate agencies are responsible for responding to diseases and public health threats, such as COVID-19 and avian influenza, and approving new drugs, such as vaccines.
Kennedy is the founder of one of the most prominent anti-vaccine groups in the country and has promoted debunked claims that childhood vaccines cause autism. He has also recently said he wants to eliminate fluoride from the nation's beverage supply, raising concerns among health officials who consider the addition of the mineral chemical a major advance in tooth preservation.
Mr. Kennedy has been a vocal critic of some government agencies he seeks to oversee. He said federal health regulators were “sock puppets” held captive by industry special interests and vowed to purge entire departments of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to root out corruption.
In October, President Kennedy said in a post on social platform , I have two messages for you: 1. Save your records and 2. Pack your bags.”
“Given Mr. Kennedy's background, placing him in charge of DHHS would put the public's health at risk and undermine the health sciences in both the public and commercial sectors,” the Nobel laureates wrote in the letter. “This would undermine America's global leadership in the United States.” ”
The Hill has reached out to the Trump team for comment.
