Blockbuster: Trump Appoints RFK Jr to Head Health & Human Services
When Robert.F. Kennedy Jr. dropped out of the 2024 presidential race in August, he immediately went to a Trump rally, and before an amazed and enthusiatic throng of MAGA supporters, endorsed the former president. Today, Kennedy was rewarded as Trump chose him to oversee the powerful Department of Health and Human Services.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health."
The president-elect added, “The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country.”
Kennedy's slogan during the campaign was "Make America Healthy Again," a spinoff from the MAGA acronym. The son of Robert Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy, RFK Jr. built a career as an environmental attorney, suing chemical corporations and large pharmaceutical companies.
Kennedy became one of the foremost figures in 2020 who were sounding the alarm against the dangers of COVID vaccines and what many saw as a media coverup of vaccine injuries.
At a town hall event last month, Kennedy stated, “I think most people don’t know what my stance is on vaccines. I’ve never been anti-vaccine. And I’ve said that hundreds and hundreds of times, but it doesn’t matter, because that is a way of silencing me.”
Democrats in Washington and public health officials reacted negatively to the appointment. According to Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, “Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is not remotely qualified for the role and should be nowhere near the science-based agencies that safeguard our nutrition, food safety, and health."
However, Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) posted on X, “Finally, someone to detox the place after the Fauci era.”
Many pro-life supporters may put up at least a yellow flag, if not a red flag, to the Kennedy appointment, since he's been given authority over government agencies that involve abortions, which Kennedy supports.
The pro-life camp watched with consternation as Trump seemed to back off of the solidly pro-life position from his first term.
The president-elect made two other appointments late Thursday, nominating North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior and former Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force reserve command, over the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"Doug is a Veteran himself, who currently serves our Nation as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command, and fought for our Country in the Iraq War," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need. Thank you, Doug, for your willingness to serve our country in this very important role."
Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz Tapped As America's Top Prosecutor
Controversy is still swirling around Trump's nomination of former Florida Republican congressman Matt Gaetz as the U.S. Attorney General.
Many Senate Republicans doubt he'll get enough votes to be confirmed amid questions about sexual misconduct allegations.
Democratic Senators are asking the House Ethics Committee to turn over its report on Gaetz which was about to be released before he resigned from Congress after Mr. Trump announced his nomination.
"I'm calling on the House Ethics Committee to preserve and share their report and all relevant documentation of Mr. Gaetz with the Senate Judiciary Committee," said Sen. Dick Durbin, D-IL.
Others are criticizing the former Florida congressman saying he lacks both the experience and moral compass to lead the Justice Department.
"President-elect Donald Trump has quickly named many good choices to serve in his cabinet. But Matt Gaetz is not one of them," said Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver.
"Matt Gaetz has neither the experience nor the moral character to serve as the highest law enforcement officer of the United States of America. Gaetz should do President Trump and all of America a favor and withdraw his name from consideration. This will save him considerable embarrassment. America deserves better," he added.
Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee hold the power to confirm or deny Gaetz's appointment as the Attorney General.
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