Robert Kennedy Jr. as Health Minister: Controversial vaccination plans in focus!

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been named the new US Secretary of Health and Human Services after US President Donald Trump nominated him for the post. Kennedy is known as a vaccine skeptic and his Senate confirmation was surrounded by uncertainty but did not result in opposition in Congress, although there were concerns within the Republican Party.

In his welcome speech, Kennedy announced that he would review the vaccination plan for children. He also presented a comprehensive agenda that not only focuses on vaccines but also includes other topics such as pesticides, herbicides, food additives, microplastics, antidepressants, ultra-processed foods, allergies, eternal chemicals and electromagnetic waves. This series of topics was launched under the slogan “Make America Healthy Again,” which was the result of Trump's executive order.

Controversies and Confirmation Hearing

Despite his controversial background, there was no significant opposition in Kennedy's confirmation hearings. Kennedy had previously assured Senator Bill Cassidy that he would not touch the vaccination plan, while Cassidy emphasized that vaccines save lives and are safe. During the hearing, Kennedy failed to clearly describe the Medicare and Medicaid programs and had difficulty making his case, raising concerns.

Kennedy emphasized in his confirmation hearing that he was not against vaccinations and supported good science. However, critics such as epidemiologist Gregg Gonsalves expressed significant concerns about Kennedy's views on vaccinations and Covid-19. Nevertheless, he was confirmed in the Senate with only one dissenting vote - from Mitch McConnell. Trump then targeted McConnell as “a very bitter guy.”

Kennedy urged federal health officials to shed their preconceived notions about him. He promised sufficient transparency and decisive action against industrial influences and conflicts of interest. The speech, delivered campaign-style, was also available as a live stream and staff were invited to have face-to-face meetings with Kennedy, highlighting the opportunity for selfies.

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