Sun Nov 10 01:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Trump Open to Vaccine Skeptic Kennedy in Second Term, May Ban Fluoride
Former President Donald Trump has hinted at a prominent role for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a potential second term, despite Kennedy’s controversial views on vaccines and other public health issues. In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump said Kennedy would have a “big role in the administration” and that he is open to some of Kennedy’s more controversial ideas.
Kennedy, who ran for president as an independent before endorsing Trump, has repeatedly spread misinformation about vaccines, claiming they are linked to autism despite decades of scientific evidence refuting this. When asked about banning certain vaccines in a second term, Trump did not rule it out, saying he would “talk to [Kennedy] and talk to other people” before making a decision.
Trump has publicly praised Kennedy’s “talent” and “strong views” and has hinted at a possible role for him in tackling “chronic childhood disease.” Furthermore, Kennedy himself has tweeted about a Trump administration’s plan to ban fluoride in water on its first day, citing unsubstantiated claims about its harmful effects. Trump expressed openness to this idea, saying “it sounds OK to me.”
This embrace of Kennedy’s fringe views has raised concern among public health groups. They emphasize the safety of water fluoridation and the overwhelming scientific consensus against the alleged link between vaccines and autism.
Other members of the Trump team have also expressed skepticism about vaccines. Howard Lutnick, co-chair of the Trump transition team, praised Kennedy and questioned the safety of vaccines, while Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, voiced skepticism about the Covid vaccine on a podcast.
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