Newly-minted Well being and Human Companies Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signaled Thursday that ending the “childhood power illness epidemic” will probably be one in every of his prime priorities throughout President Trump’s second time period.
“For 20 years, I received down each morning on my knees and prayed that God would put me ready the place I can finish childhood power illness epidemic on this nation,” Kennedy mentioned after his swearing-in ceremony within the Oval Workplace.
“On August 23 of final yr, God despatched me President Trump,” he added, referring to the date he ended his 2024 White Home bid and endorsed Trump.
RFK Jr. argued that Trump’s imaginative and prescient of restoring “America’s energy” received’t be potential with a “weak citizenry,” on account of power sickness.
“60% of our individuals are sick,” he mentioned.
“77% of our youngsters can’t qualify for army service,” Kennedy continued, referring to a 2022 Pentagon research.
The HHS chief praised Trump’s latest strikes to dismantle the USA Company for Worldwide Growth – an company established by his uncle, former President John F. Kennedy – and mentioned, “We wish to do the identical factor with the establishments which are stealing the well being of our youngsters.”
Kennedy, who was confirmed by the Senate earlier within the day in a 52-48 vote, will oversee 13 HHS divisions and companies – together with the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA), Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC), and the Nationwide Institutes of Well being (NIH) – and a price range of roughly $1.7 trillion.
He mentioned he deliberate on implementing “radical transparency” at HHS and returning to “gold customary science” on the companies he now oversees.
“Ending the corruption, ending the company seize of these companies, eliminating the individuals on these panels which have conflicts of curiosity — we are able to do unadorned and unimpeded science relatively than the type of product that’s popping out of these companies,” Kennedy mentioned.
When requested by a reporter what he want to inform Democratic senators who voted towards his affirmation, RFK introduced it again to youngsters.
“Whether or not you’re in a blue state or pink state, I’m going to do every part I can to work with you, whether or not you’re a Democrat or Republican, to revive baby well being on this nation,” RFK Jr. mentioned.
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