Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former FDA commissioner, expressed concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s potential impact as the Health Secretary under President-elect Donald Trump. Gottlieb warned that Kennedy’s vaccine skepticism could lead to a decrease in vaccination rates, potentially causing outbreaks of measles. He also highlighted Kennedy’s controversial ideas on COVID vaccines and abortion as potential reasons for opposition from Republican senators during the confirmation process.
Kennedy has a history of promoting false claims linking vaccines to autism, a theory debunked by numerous studies. Despite stating that he would not unilaterally ban vaccines, Kennedy has expressed skepticism about their safety and effectiveness. Gottlieb raised concerns about Kennedy’s intentions regarding health policy and cited an adviser who emphasized Kennedy’s commitment to his values.
Gottlieb also suggested that Trump may not share Kennedy’s beliefs about vaccines, based on their previous conversations. He emphasized the potential risks of rejecting established vaccination practices and emphasized the importance of public health in preventing disease outbreaks. The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment on Gottlieb’s remarks. Overall, Gottlieb’s comments underscore the potential consequences of appointing a health secretary with a history of vaccine skepticism and controversial views on public health.
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