On Monday, 77 Nobel prize winners sent an open letter to the US Senate opposing the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifying his “lack of credentials” and anti-vaccine beliefs.
“Given his record, placing Mr Kennedy in charge of DHHS would put the public’s health in jeopardy,” draw to a close letter signed by 77 Nobel beneficiaries in medicine, chemistry, physics and economics.
Drew Weissman was among the scriveners who received the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work on developing mRNA vaccines, which was a breakthrough in the battle against COVID-19.
Kennedy, a nephew of assassinated US president John F. Kennedy Jr, made his own White House run earlier this year before throwing his support behind Trump.
In return, Trump has tapped him to oversee the part of the executive branch in charge of health and medicine — though his selection must be approved by a majority of the US Senate, as outlined by the Constitution.
An environmental lawyer without a medical background by the Kennedy has spent years promoting conspiracy theories connecting vaccines to autism and, more recently, spreading misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines.
He has also announced that if goes through and through for the position, he would work to eliminate fluoride from tap water in the U.S., despite its widespread use being regarded as a significant achievement in the fight against tooth decay.
“In addition to his lack of credentials or relevant experience in medicine, science, public health, or administration,” the letter reads, “Mr Kennedy has been an opponent of many health-protecting and life-saving vaccines, such as those that prevent measles and polio.”
“We strongly urge you to vote against the confirmation of his appointment,” the letter said.
Kennedy is far from the only Trump cabinet nominee to stir controversy.
Among the most notable is Pete Hegseth, a Fox News anchor tapped to lead the Department of Defense, who has seen his nomination derailed with sexual assault allegations and rumours of excessive drinking.
And Trump’s first pick for Attorney General, former US Congressman Matt Gaetz, withdrew after further scrutiny emerged of alleged sexual relations he had with a minor.
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