In a move thats reshaping US health policy Donald Trump picked Robert F Kennedy Jr as his health advisor (a role similar to health tsar) following his second presidential win. Kennedy‚ whos known for non-standard health views wants to make big-time changes in how America handles public health
The new health advisor has some out-of-box ideas: he supports raw milk over pasteurized‚ likes psychedelics for treatment‚ and isnt too keen on common medical practices. Last month he told FDA staff to “pack their bags“ if Trump wins – showing his ready-to-shake-things-up attitude
Well‚ Iʼm going to talk to him and other people; Iʼll make a decision‚ but heʼs a very talented guy and has strong views
Their health agenda includes these main points:
- Looking into vaccine safety rules
- Taking fluoride out of tap water
- Changing how FDA works
- Re-thinking global health funding
- Making changes to healthcare system
The duoʼs plans might affect global health big-time. Since the mid-40s America has been setting world health standards but now its looking at stopping some key programs. The US puts about $12bn yearly into world health aid – which could change under new leadership
Some experts think Trump might pull US out of WHO again (like he tried bout 4 years back). Plus theres talk about changing rules for international aid that helps fight big diseases worldwide. Local health stuff might change too: after that 2022 court thing bout 17 states changed their rules on womens health care
The FDA and CDC might get split up – one part for data‚ other for making rules. Its part of their “Make America Healthy Again“ thing. Kennedy says he wants to stop what he calls “corporate power“ in health decisions; though critics say his ideas arent based on regular science