Robert F Kennedy Jr chosen as Donald Trump's health secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has said Robert F Kennedy Jr will "make America great and healthy again" and has therefore has therefore chosen him as his new health secretary.

The news was announced by Donald Trump Jr on X, before the president-elect confirmed the appointment just moments later.

Mr Trump Jr wrote: "Robert F Kennedy Jr will be The Secretary of Health and Human Services! Promises Made Promises Kept."

In a lengthier post, President-elect Trump wrote: "For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health.

"The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and [the department of health and human services] will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country."

RFK will "restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again," Mr Trump added.

Mr Kennedy, the nephew of former president John F Kennedy, had been running as an independent presidential candidate before dropping out of the race to endorse Mr Trump in August.

In return for RFK Jr's support during the presidential election, President-elect Trump pledged to give him a role.

Mr Kennedy - a known vaccine sceptic - previously claimed Mr Trump would push to remove fluoride from drinking water on his first day in office.

I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it…

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 14, 2024