What alarms health experts most about RFK Jr. is what he's leaving out of his health policy proposals

In a recent rally at Madison Square Garden, Donald Trump expressed his intentions for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. should he win a second term. Trump mentioned he would allow Kennedy to have significant influence over health-related policies. This has raised concerns among health professionals, particularly given Kennedy's anti-vaccine stance, despite his recent focus on food regulations and chronic disease prevention.

Kennedy founded a nonprofit known for anti-vaccine material but has recently shifted his public focus to issues like regulating food chemicals and chronic diseases. He has advocated for replacing seed oils in fast food and limiting the availability of processed foods in schools and through assistance programs.

Kennedy has claimed that Trump promised him oversight of key public health departments, which he sees as crucial to improving America's health. A spokesperson highlighted that Kennedy's focus would involve addressing the chronic disease epidemic affecting a significant portion of Americans.

Kennedy's proposals include restructuring the FDA's pharmaceutical funding system, capping drug prices, and reviewing advertising guidelines. He also suggests changes to the USDA's guidelines and NIH funding protocols.

The possibility of Kennedy's influential role in a Trump administration has sparked debate about his potential impact on public health, particularly concerning vaccines. Health experts remain wary of Kennedy's past positions, suggesting his recent pivot away from vaccines might be a strategic move for political gain.

Public discourse emphasizes the need for improving the U.S. healthcare system, recognizing its present inadequacies. While some health policy experts appreciate Kennedy's spotlight on food policy, skepticism remains about his ability to effectively implement proposed changes given historical trends in Trump's policies.

Overall, the prospect of Kennedy holding significant health policy power is met with both cautious support for some of his ideas and concern over his historically controversial positions.