With Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now installed as Health and Human Services Secretary, his agenda is coming into focus. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed that a "Make America Health Again" commission will be established via executive order, tasking Kennedy with tackling the nation's chronic illness challenges.
While the specifics are still unclear, Kennedy's past statements and the Trump administration's priorities offer some clues. Here's a look at three key areas to watch:
Further Investigation into Food Additives?
Kennedy has championed the "Make America Health Again" (MAHA) slogan, resonating with a nation grappling with obesity and chronic diseases. The challenge lies in addressing these issues without straining the federal budget or provoking legal battles with the food and drug industry.
One potential approach involves further safety assessments of specific ingredients, such as food dyes. The recent FDA ban on Red Dye No. 3, a known carcinogen in animal studies, highlights this possibility. While other dyes like Red Dye No. 40 remain on the market, advocates are pushing for increased scrutiny and post-market surveillance, similar to European practices. However, such efforts require substantial resources, potentially conflicting with the administration's proposed budget cuts.
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., testifies during a Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill, January 30, 2025.
Credit: Rod Lamkey/AP
Revising Transgender Protection Rules
While not a central focus for Kennedy, the Trump administration and the conservative party aim to roll back transgender protections implemented under Obama and Biden. Federal law prohibits sexual discrimination, but the executive branch defines specific rules for institutions receiving federal funding.
Obama-era regulations protected transgender individuals from discrimination in healthcare and education. Trump reversed these rules, allowing religious exemptions for medical providers. Biden attempted to reinstate the original protections, but legal challenges from Republican states have returned the issue to Kennedy's HHS. His decisions will significantly impact transgender rights.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies during his confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C., January 29, 2025.
Credit: Allison Dinner/EPA via Shutterstock
Easing Vaccination Requirements for Schools
School vaccination mandates are determined at the state level, but HHS sets the recommended childhood vaccine schedule. The Education Department also provides crucial funding to schools serving low-income and disabled students. Trump has threatened to withhold funding from schools with vaccine or mask mandates, which could significantly impact public health.
While Kennedy has previously questioned vaccine safety, during his confirmation, he insisted he supports vaccination but seeks further research. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican doctor, expressed concerns about Kennedy's past statements, but ultimately supported his confirmation, emphasizing the importance of restoring public trust in health institutions.
