President-elect Donald J. Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), a decision sparking widespread debate due to Kennedy’s outspoken skepticism of vaccines and his unconventional views on public health.

This announcement follows other controversial cabinet picks by Trump, including former Representative Matt Gaetz as Attorney General and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. Critics argue that Kennedy’s nomination could disrupt public health initiatives, while supporters see it as a bold step toward reforming federal health agencies.

On Truth Social, Trump voiced strong support for Kennedy, emphasizing his belief that Kennedy will “restore the nation’s health agencies” and focus on tackling chronic disease. Kennedy, in turn, pledged to reform HHS by reducing corporate influence and prioritizing the health of all Americans. “I will free these agencies from corporate capture and help make Americans the healthiest people on Earth,” he stated.

If confirmed, Kennedy will oversee a vast department responsible for Medicare, Medicaid, disease control, food and drug regulation, and cutting-edge medical research. The nomination has drawn both praise for its potential to challenge the status quo and criticism for its implications on public health policy.