Robert F. Kennedy Jr. message that FDA employees should “pack your bags” has reportedly sent shockwaves through the halls of power in Washington, D.C.
The former Independent presidential candidate, now a Trump ally, declared that “entire departments” within the Food and Drug Administration must go, specifically targeting its nutrition division for allegedly failing to protect children.
“FDA’s war on public health is about to end,” Kennedy wrote on social media, promising to end what he called “aggressive suppression” of alternative treatments ranging from psychedelics to raw milk.
The message has reportedly caused panic among lifelong beaucrats inside various agencies in D.C., who haven’t been challenged directly in decades.
President-elect Trump has promised to let Kennedy “go wild” on health policy — a prospect that’s sending shockwaves through the public health community.
“I worry greatly for the future of public health, environment and science in the next four years,” warned Lawrence Gostin, a Georgetown University global health law professor.
While Kennedy told MSNBC he wouldn’t eliminate agencies requiring congressional approval, he could still wield significant power. Experts say he could redirect agency funding, appoint vaccine skeptics to key CDC advisory panels, and use his position to amplify doubts about established medical science.
“The biggest risk of Kennedy is his mouth,” said Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. “Creating distrust or confusion with the vaccine approval process.”
Kennedy’s exact role remains unclear. Trump transition co-chair Howard Lutnick says he won’t be Health and Human Services Secretary — a position requiring Senate confirmation. But Kennedy confirmed Trump asked him what role he wanted.
“We’re developing a proposal now,” Kennedy told Fox News.
His agenda is clear: challenge pharmaceutical companies, question vaccine safety studies, and promote alternative treatments like hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin.
While states maintain most public health authority, experts warn a Kennedy-influenced CDC could still dramatically reshape American healthcare by changing recommendations to schools, states, and parents.
“If those recommendations are being watered down or changed,” said health policy expert Kates, “that sends a message… where we already see the effect of that.”