“In view of his file, inserting Mr Kennedy answerable for (the Division of Well being and Human Providers) would put the general public’s well being in jeopardy,” concludes the letter signed by 77 Nobel recipients in medication, chemistry, physics and economics.
Among the many signatories is Drew Weissman, who obtained the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medication for his work on growing mRNA vaccines, which was a serious breakthrough within the struggle in opposition to COVID-19.
Kennedy, a nephew of assassinated US president John F Kennedy, made his personal White Home run earlier this yr earlier than throwing his assist behind Trump.
In return, Trump has tapped him to supervise the a part of the manager department answerable for well being and medication – although his choice should be authorised by a majority of the US Senate, as outlined by the Structure.
An environmental lawyer by commerce with no medical background, Kennedy has spent years professing conspiracy theories linking vaccines and autism, and most lately unfold misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines.
He has mentioned if he’s confirmed for the place he’ll work to take away fluoride from faucet water within the US, regardless of its addition being thought of a serious victory in opposition to micro organism inflicting tooth decay.
“Along with his lack of credentials or related expertise in medication, science, public well being or administration,” the letter reads, “Mr Kennedy has been an opponent of many health-protecting and life-saving vaccines, corresponding to people who forestall measles and polio.”
“We strongly urge you to vote in opposition to the affirmation of his appointment,” the letter mentioned.
Kennedy is much from the one Trump Cupboard nominee to stir controversy.
Among the many most notable is Pete Hegseth, a Fox Information anchor tapped to guide the Division of Protection, who has seen his nomination derailed with sexual assault allegations and rumours of extreme ingesting.
And Trump’s first choose for legal professional normal, former US congressman Matt Gaetz, withdrew after additional scrutiny emerged of alleged sexual relations he had with a minor.
