Trump said RFK Jr could run 'wild' with health policy. Instead he's reined him in
Summary
President Donald Trump appointed Robert Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with the expectation that Kennedy would have wide freedom on health policies. However, Kennedy has faced limits on his authority and some pushback, including criticism for supporting a Trump order on glyphosate production, a controversial herbicide. Kennedy’s changes to vaccine policy have also stirred debate amid rising measles cases.Key Facts
- President Trump chose Robert Kennedy Jr. to lead HHS and initially promised him broad freedom on health issues.
- Kennedy was a key figure in the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement during the 2024 campaign.
- Kennedy supported Trump’s executive order to increase domestic production of glyphosate, causing confusion among his supporters.
- Kennedy said he personally disagreed with the glyphosate order but accepted it due to national security concerns.
- Kennedy replaced members of the vaccine advisory committee with vaccine skeptics and reduced recommended childhood immunizations.
- The CDC experienced leadership disruption after Kennedy ousted its leader, Susan Monarez.
- During Kennedy’s tenure, the US saw a large measles outbreak with over 4,000 cases and two child deaths.
- Kennedy’s authority at HHS is limited, and some see him more as a spokesperson than a policymaker.
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