Politics
Trump’s new cabinet appointment deepens the crisis on American health
Appointment Donald Trump has a thought behind the selection of each of his controversial cabinet members, which is like challenging the experts, high officials and institutions of Washington. But this time he has chosen Robert F. Kennedy Jr. who is known for questioning vaccines and believing in conspiracies, for the post of Secretary of Health and Human Services. This appointment is not only surprising, but also a big example of his “anti-establishment” stance.
Kennedy’s impact on the health sector
If Robert Kennedy gets this post and acts on his earlier claims, such as questioning the safety and effectiveness of vaccines or removing 600 people in the National Institute of Health, then it can directly affect the lives of millions of Americans. That is, if cases of access to vaccines are somehow decreased, then cases of infectious diseases may occur.
More on Kennedy and his stance
Kennedy believes in some things that health advocates like, including having junk food out of school canteens and persuading the food industry to create better foods. But his views on vaccines do not match science and expert research. He has recommended removing fluoride from public water and claimed that pharmaceutical companies have unnecessary pressure on the health sector.
Trump’s strategy and other controversial cabinet members
This appointment is considered to be a part of Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) policy, under which he is challenging institutions and policies. Like his other cabinet members, this selection also shows that he is making a strategy to deal with opponents in his second term. For example, Trump has chosen controversial MP Matt Gaetz for Attorney General and Tulsi Gabbard for the top intelligence post.
The following is what the health experts have raise about the current health crisis.
Highly placed doctors have however raised serious issues concerning his recent appointment. Dr. Ashish Jha of Brown University stated that there is no scientific foundation for Kennedy’s judgment; therefore, he/she split the rating as ‘‘extremely bad selection’. At the same time, ex CDC director Dr Richard Besser called it “scary” and said that his views have already weakened people’s trust in vaccines.
Challenge in the Senate and the way forward
Kennedy’s appointment has increased the pressure on the Republican Party in the Senate. If some Republican members oppose this selection, then Trump may have to adopt other strategies to get his candidate passed.
This selection of Trump can pose new challenges for the American health and science sector. Now it remains to be seen how deeply this appointment affects the public and policy-making.
FAQs
Q. Who is the newest cabinet person appointed, and why has it generated such debate?
A. The new appointee is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a man who has been widely promoting anti-vaccine ideas and malicious conspiracy theories. Some of the public health measures and the recommendation concerning the use of vaccines have drawn the ire of scientific community.
Q. Which particular health policies are now threatened by this particular appointment?
A. Possibility of decreased population uptake of vaccines and therefore reinvasion of easily preventable conditions such as measles and polio.
Transforming health research organizations such as the national institutes of Health (NIH).
Q. How could this appointment make any difference to the average American, I asked.
A. The rise of preventable diseases due to vaccine refusal some of the consequences of the current administrations’ actions.
Changes to or failure in timely approval of the essential medicines and treatment.
Transition from public health highlights that are related to nourishment, chronic illnesses, and the COVID-19 health crisis.
Q. What does Robert F. Kennedy Jr. say about vaccines?
A. Kennedy has had doubts about vaccines even though they can be proven safe by researches and many success testimonies. He has advocated that vaccines cause diseases such as autism, contrary to the brief from respectable health organizations.
Q. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) plays a critical role in both policy making and oversight of federal public health policy.
A. The Minister of Health and Human Services is in charge of key functions in health all policy matters such as vaccination, health research, food hygiene and preparedness for a public health emergency. That is why their decisions influence the lives of millions of Americans and their health.
