Rep. Garcia blasts RFK nomination at HHS
Controversy Surrounding Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Nomination for Health Secretary
The nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for health secretary by President-elect Trump has sparked outrage among lawmakers and public health leaders.
U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., did not mince words when he called the choice “f—— insane.”
“The RFK as Health Secretary appointment is f—— insane,” he expressed on social media. “He’s a vaccine denier and a tin foil hat conspiracy theorist. He will destroy our public health infrastructure and our vaccine distribution systems. This is going to cost lives.”
Garcia’s office was not immediately available for comment.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. speaks before former President Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, speaks at a campaign event Nov. 1, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
In response, Kennedy stated that if confirmed by the Senate to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), he plans to address corruption, eliminate the revolving door between industry and government, and prioritize evidence-based science.
“Together we will clean up corruption, stop the revolving door between industry and government, and return our health agencies to their rich tradition of gold-standard, evidence-based science. I will provide Americans with transparency and access to all the data so they can make informed choices for themselves and their families,” he wrote.
While Kennedy has gained prominence as a vaccine skeptic, Madhukar Pai, chair of McGill University’s Global and Public Health Department in Montreal, Canada, expressed concerns that Kennedy’s appointment could hinder global vaccination programs.
U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., speaks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago Aug. 19, 2024. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
Garcia, a vocal critic of Kennedy, previously denounced him as a threat to public health during a hearing. He emphasized that appointing someone without scientific or medical credentials, who has perpetuated misinformation about vaccines, would be detrimental to the nation.
Donna Shalala, the longest-serving HHS secretary, described Kennedy’s nomination as “shocking.”
Former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and former President Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, shake hands during a campaign rally in Glendale, Ariz., Aug. 23. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)
Despite the backlash, Kennedy has received support from Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who urged him to bring about changes at HHS and the FDA. Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy commended Kennedy for his advocacy on issues like healthy foods and transparency in public health.
Kennedy’s nomination has divided opinions, with some viewing him as a threat to public health and others welcoming his potential policy changes. The confirmation process will shed more light on Kennedy’s stance on critical health issues.
Kennedy was previously considered for a Cabinet position in 2008 under President-elect Barack Obama for the Environmental Protection Agency.
