Over the past two decades, the American public has grown increasingly distrustful of the American government. In 2000, 42% of Americans trusted the government to do what is right just about always or most of the time, as measured by the Pew Research Center. By 2024, that number plummeted to just 22%. These numbers aren’t just statistics; they are also a representation of a nation that appears to be deeply divided and skeptical of its leadership. When contextualized in such a way, it becomes clear that now more than ever stability and credibility are of utmost importance in our governing bodies. In my opinion, the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as health and human services secretary threatens to undermine the needs of the nation in favor of advancing the political agenda of the sitting president.
The United States Department of Health and Human Services outlines that its secretary is a public servant who is tasked “to take action to prepare for and respond to public health and medical emergencies.” After reading this definition, I believe that Kennedy is categorically unfit for this position. Perhaps of most concern is Kennedy’s well-documented stance against vaccines. Serving in the highest public health office in the country would ensure that his personal opinion becomes a national public health risk. Historically, widespread usage of vaccines has helped to eradicate deadly diseases such as smallpox and rinderpest. Additionally, once fatal illnesses that have decimated communities, including rabies and tetanus, are now treatable conditions as the result of vaccines. Kennedy’s stance is not only dangerous but also deeply ableist and rooted in misinformation. Kennedy, in an interview with Fox News, shared that he “believe[s] that autism does come from vaccines.” By perpetuating the myth that vaccines cause autism, he is contributing to vaccine hesitancy among parents.
Hesitancy leads to the resurgence of fatal illnesses that are easily preventable by receiving a vaccine. The World Health Organization in 2019 listed vaccine hesitancy as one of 10 global health threats and in 2024 continued to battle misinformation, stating that, “Inaccurate information about diseases, treatments and vaccines undermines trust in science and public health. It threatens global health by distorting public perception and eroding confidence in evidence-based policies. During emergencies and conflicts, misinformation exacerbates health crises by fostering confusion and fear and diverting resources from a coordinated response.”
I believe that appointing a man whose rhetoric distinctly contradicts evidence-based public health research is irresponsible and will further erode public trust in the government and its apparatuses. In particular, the role of the health secretary emphasizes the importance of preparing for public health emergencies. Vaccines are a key piece of preventive action necessary to ensure that public health emergencies do not arise.
Some may argue that Kennedy’s skepticism may resonate with the American people, many of whom are growing increasingly wary of institutional power. His anti-establishment rhetoric may be enticing to voters who desire a change in the status quo. However, trust cannot be developed upon foundations of distrust. Certainly not in the position of the health secretary where credibility and trust are paramount to the position.
The appointment of Kennedy may also further politicize public health. Like President Donald Trump’s rhetoric during the COVID-19 pandemic, which downplayed the importance of mask-wearing and vaccination while framing these life-saving measures as infringements on American freedom, Kennedy’s appointment places him in a position to make decisions for the health and well-being of the nation. His history demonstrates that he is not a reliable figure in regard to making evidence-based decisions and would likely place political beliefs above the safety of the nation.
The United States cannot risk prioritizing ideological defiance over public health, and thus the Senate has failed miserably in confirming Kennedy.