Trust Issues: The Controversial Pick for Health Secretary

The U. S. Senate is set to approve Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the new health secretary. This decision comes despite major concerns from both political parties and the medical community. Kennedy, a 71-year-old environmental lawyer, is known for his controversial views on vaccines. He has spent years spreading conspiracy theories linking vaccines to autism and more recently, misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines. Kennedy's nomination has faced strong opposition. Republicans are concerned about his past support for abortion, his history of suing big businesses, and his 2023 presidential run as a Democrat. Democrats, on the other hand, point to sexual misconduct allegations, his suggestion that COVID-19 was designed to spare Jews, and his linking of school shootings to anti-depressants. The Senate Finance Committee already approved Kennedy in a preliminary vote last week. This paved the way for the full Senate to vote on his nomination. The vote is expected to happen around 10:30 AM (1530 GMT). Kennedy's approval is likely due to Republicans backing President Trump's cabinet picks. Kennedy's nomination has raised eyebrows, especially given his lack of medical background. Critics argue that his appointment could put public health at risk. Last year, 77 Nobel Prize winners sent an open letter to the Senate expressing their opposition to his nomination. They warned that Kennedy's appointment could jeopardize public health. Critics accuse Republicans of turning a blind eye to Kennedy's controversial views. They argue that Republicans are choosing to ignore the potential harm Kennedy could cause. This is not the first time Republicans have faced backlash for approving controversial cabinet nominees. Recently, they approved Tulsi Gabbard as the head of intelligence services. This move was seen as another example of President Trump's strong influence over his party. The Senate has approved all of Trump's cabinet nominations so far. This includes a defense secretary accused of sexual assault, an attorney general suspected of trafficking a minor for sex, and an FBI chief alleged to be motivated by political revenge. All were criticized for their lack of experience. Only the suspected sex trafficker, former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, has been rejected by the Senate.