Donald Trump (left) chose no vax for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s health care. (right) – Ansa
The future president of the United States Donald Trump continues his strength against the establishment and also against some of the Republicans with another controversial appointmentalthough it is difficult – but not impossible – to confirm in the Senate: the former presidential candidate and anti-vax activist lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. So much so that on Thursday, when the markets were open, the news caused the shares of Moderna (the company that became famous for its vaccine against Covid) to close down more than 5%, and the shares of Novavax fell by over 7%. Pfizer’s capital lost more than 2%. Shares of BioNTech, the German pharmaceutical company that helped develop a vaccine against Covid with Pfizer, fell more than 6% at the end of the session. British drugmaker GSK, which makes flu shots and many other vaccines, closed down about 2%. In short, the American presidential elections are side effects.
A character, Kennedy, who previously stood out not only for his anti-vax positions but also for other “border” declarations.which has clearly succeeded the many movements and people who believe in America in the “alien conspiracy” or to “UFO conspiracy theory” and who secretly influenced the election campaigns of the US parties.”I have no idea if UFOs exist, but I don’t automatically think we shouldn’t be hearing about that, right?“, or: “I have no idea if UFOs exist, but I don’t automatically think we shouldn’t hear about them, right?”, Kennedy said, naming Dennis Kuchnicha longtime Democratic congressman from Ohio and former mayor of Cleveland, heads his election committee. Kuchinich publicly confirmed that he had an “unidentified flying object” of the second type, ie UFO sighting which left evidence of his landing.
The grandson of former justice minister Bob Kennedy and former president John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Rfk ran for the White House against Joe Biden in the Democratic primary and then as an independent, before withdrawing and endorsing Trump.. Who has now given what was promised to him in the election campaign and in his victory speech: carte blanche on health care and control of food policy.
An appointment that shook the world of scientific research and thousands of employees of the agencies involved, many of them ready to flee. The whole “Camelot clan” stayed aloof and disowned him long ago because he abandoned the democratic faith by supporting The Donald. However, the 70-year-old Kennedy faces an uphill climb to Senate confirmation after years of promoting inconsistent claims that vaccines cause autism, after writing a book in which he accuses former head of the National Institutes of Health Anthony Fauci of conspiring with tech tycoon Bill Gates and pharmaceutical companies to sell vaccines against Covid-19 and saying that regulatory officials are “industry puppets who should be removed”. In recent weeks, Rfk has tried to rectify the situation by ensuring that he would not take vaccines from anyone. “I will make sure that there are scientific studies on safety and effectiveness, and that people can make individual assessments of whether that product is good for them or not,” he told MSNBC the day after Trump’s victory .
One of his latest proposals is to remove fluoride from the public water supply, which is added to improve Americans’ oral health but which he believes ”almost certainly” causes IQ loss in children. During the election campaign he had been involved in various controversies. Among these, one for having already cut off the head of a dead whale with a chainsaw; another for acknowledging in a video on social media the story, dating back to 2014, about the puppy a dead bear was found on the street that he wanted to bring home to skin but then he left in Central Park an accident simulation.
How can the Biden administration rebuild trust in health policy after controversial cabinet appointments?
Title: Navigating Controversy and Health Policy: An Interview with Health Policy Expert Dr. Emily Carter
Introduction:
Today on Time.news, we have a significant discussion as we delve into the implications of Donald Trump’s recent cabinet choices, particularly the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Joining us is Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned health policy expert with extensive experience in analyzing the intersection of health, politics, and public perception.
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, Dr. Carter. It’s great to have you with us. The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, to a key health position has sparked intense debate and market reactions. What are your initial thoughts on this development?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. This appointment is indeed controversial and emblematic of a significant shift in the political landscape surrounding health policy. Kennedy’s staunch anti-vaccine stance and his unorthodox beliefs, including his musings on UFOs and conspiracies, could deeply influence public health initiatives and trust in the healthcare system. After all, the credibility of health leaders is crucial, especially in a time when vaccine hesitancy continues to be a pressing issue.
Interviewer: The markets reacted negatively to this news, with shares of major vaccine manufacturers experiencing significant drops. How do you interpret this financial response?
Dr. Emily Carter: The market’s reaction speaks volumes. The pharmaceutical industry is incredibly sensitive to regulatory and political shifts. Investors often gauge potential profitability based on public health policies. If Kennedy, who has publicly opposed vaccine mandates and promoted skepticism toward vaccine safety, begins to alter health policy direction, it raises fears about the future of vaccines in the U.S. and abroad. Such fears can destabilize stock prices, as we saw with companies like Moderna and Pfizer.
Interviewer: Given Kennedy’s historical context as a member of the Kennedy political dynasty, how might his appointment affect the political climate, especially among Democrats and independents?
Dr. Emily Carter: Kennedy’s lineage and charisma give him a unique platform. However, his controversial views may alienate moderate Democrats and exacerbate divisions within the party. He previously ran against Joe Biden and then withdrew to support Trump, indicating a shift that may not sit well with traditional Democratic voters. His appointment is likely to galvanize both supporters and detractors, complicating bipartisan cooperation on health issues.
Interviewer: There’s considerable talk about public trust in health institutions. How might Kennedy’s appointment impact this trust, especially among health professionals and the public?
Dr. Emily Carter: Trust is fundamental in public health. The appointment of someone who has openly challenged vaccination protocols could lead to a crisis of confidence not only among health professionals but also among the general public. Many scientists and healthcare workers may feel uncomfortable or even threatened by Kennedy’s influence, potentially leading to a talent exodus from the Department of Health and Human Services. This could have profound implications for the effectiveness of public health campaigns, especially as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what steps could the Biden administration take to regain public trust in health policies?
Dr. Emily Carter: Rebuilding trust will require transparency and communication from the Biden administration. They could focus on showcasing scientific leadership and reaffirming the importance of evidence-based health policies. Engaging with community leaders, especially in areas heavily affected by vaccine hesitancy, can promote dialogue and education. Most importantly, they should work to ensure that public health decisions are made by individuals with the highest credibility in the scientific community, thereby reassuring the public about the safety and efficacy of vaccines and other health measures.
Interviewer: Lastly, Dr. Carter, what broader implications could Kennedy’s position have on health care policy in the U.S.?
Dr. Emily Carter: If Kennedy is given significant latitude in shaping health care policy, we could see a shift toward alternative health approaches that may diverge from traditional scientific consensus. This could open doors to more holistic or even controversial health practices that may not have rigorous scientific backing. It’s crucial for us as a society to remain vigilant about the foundations of public health policy—grounded in science, research, and data, rather than political expediency or individual beliefs.
Conclusion:
Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insights into this complex and evolving topic. The ramifications of Donald Trump’s choices and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s role are bound to shape American health policy for years to come. We appreciate your expertise as we navigate this pivotal moment in public health politics.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial conversation, and I hope to see continued engagement on these issues.
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[End of Interview]