RFK Jr. a threat to U.S. public health?

By Darwin Collazo

With a surname deeply rooted in American political history, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. positioned himself as a seemingly ideal future commander-in-chief. His policies, his public statements, and especially his anti-vaccine stance shaped a political path that ultimately became difficult for a member of the nation’s most famous family dynasty to sustain. This eventually led him to withdraw from the presidential race, but not before publicly endorsing then-candidate Donald Trump. In return, Trump offered him one of the most controversial appointments of his presidency: Secretary of Health and Human Services.

His anti-vaccine stance generated strong criticism from several members of Congress even before his selection as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Although RFK Jr. repeatedly denied these accusations, multiple lawmakers challenged his statements; nevertheless, the former presidential candidate ultimately retained the position offered to him by President Trump. Since then, a series of public pronouncements has thrown the country into turmoil. Along with internal departmental changes and new regulations, such as scaling back flu-vaccine promotional campaigns and dismissing several department officials, one of the most notable controversies to emerge has been the Tylenol case.

In a press conference led by President Trump and supported by RFK Jr., it was claimed that Tylenol use during pregnancy caused autism in unborn babies, and that its use among pregnant women would therefore be restricted. Medical experts and professionals quickly refuted this assertion, confirming that there is no evidence linking acetaminophen use in pregnancy to autism. In fact, acetaminophen is commonly recommended, when used in moderation, as the safest pain reliever for pregnant women.

Despite this, the statements made at the press conference sparked nationwide confusion. Many people believed the president’s claims, while others remained skeptical. The CDC website even began recommending that pregnant women avoid the medication, further fueling public concern. Over time, however, due to the lack of scientific evidence and mounting public pressure, RFK Jr. held another conference in which he admitted that he did not have “sufficient” evidence to assert a connection between the pain reliever and autism, an acknowledgment that aligned with what medical professionals had been stating from the start.

RFK Jr. has not even held his position for a full year, yet he has already become the target of widespread criticism for his apparent inability to manage such a critical role within the United States government. Many have urged President Trump to dismiss him to prevent further complications, but the president has refused, expressing confidence in RFK Jr.’s experience in a field he himself admits he does not fully understand. Only time will tell how far this administration will take us, and whether it will be too late to return to a path that meets the healthcare needs of millions of Americans.