According to multiple sources speaking to ABC News, Kennedy has suggested Ladapo as a candidate for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Trump’s transition operation is said to be taking this recommendation seriously, with a review of Ladapo’s qualifications anticipated. Appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022, Ladapo has garnered attention for his controversial stances on COVID-19 and vaccine efficacy.
During a recent appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast, Trump echoed Kennedy’s comments, indicating a willingness to consider him for a significant role in a future administration focused on health policies. “I said focus on health — you can do whatever you want,” Trump remarked about Kennedy’s potential involvement.
In an interview with ABC News, Kennedy confirmed that discussions regarding cabinet positions are in the early stages but emphasized that Ladapo is among those being considered. He praised Ladapo for his resistance to governmental COVID-19 measures, such as school closures and mask mandates, and for questioning the unquestioned acceptance of vaccine safety data.
Kennedy elaborated on his discussions with Trump, stating, “The president asked me to clean up the corruption in agencies, bring them back to the gold standard of evidence-based science, and he asked me to achieve measurable results in reducing chronic illness among children within two years.” This comment highlights the influence Kennedy could wield in shaping public health policy should Trump reclaim the presidency.
In response to Kennedy’s statements, the Trump campaign has distanced itself from any formal decisions about cabinet appointments. Carolyn Levitt, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, noted that while no official decisions have been made, the former president is open to working with passionate voices like Kennedy to restore health and safety in America. Levitt mentioned plans for Trump to establish a special presidential commission to investigate the long-standing rise in chronic diseases in children.
Ladapo has faced criticism during the COVID-19 pandemic for questioning the effectiveness of vaccines developed under the Trump administration. He has notably challenged guidelines from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which resulted in backlash from the medical community. In October 2022, he controversially advised young men against receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, citing a “slightly increased” risk of heart-related deaths. This claim was met with scrutiny and rejection by health authorities, including the FDA and CDC, which stated that vaccinated individuals actually faced a lower risk of heart attack and stroke.
Kennedy’s recent comments indicate a significant shift in the political landscape as he aligns himself more closely with Trump, hinting at a potential resurgence of anti-vaccine sentiment within mainstream political discourse if Trump returns to power. Kennedy asserted that Trump promised him oversight of crucial health agencies, including HHS, the CDC, the FDA, and the NIH, and emphasized the need for reform in agricultural practices to promote public health.
As the political climate continues to evolve, the implications of Kennedy’s potential role in a Trump administration could resonate across public health policy and the broader healthcare landscape in America.
