Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former Democratic presidential candidate and environmental lawyer, has found himself at the center of a new ad campaign by the Heritage Foundation. The ad calls for his swift confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), highlighting Kennedy’s commitment to reshaping America’s food policy, restoring trust in health agencies, and tackling chronic disease.
The ad emphasizes Kennedy’s fearless reputation and alignment with President-elect Donald Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) initiative. Together, they aim to address systemic issues in public health, focusing on transparency and accountability within regulatory agencies.
Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, described Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination as HHS Secretary as a pivotal move toward rebuilding trust, accountability, and integrity within public health agencies. He emphasized Kennedy’s dedication to combating corruption and chronic disease, addressing concerns shared by millions of Americans about the growing wealth of Big Pharma amid declining public health. According to Roberts, Kennedy’s commitment to depoliticizing science and safeguarding individual freedoms sets the stage for a healthier future, though realizing this vision will demand confronting deeply rooted special interests—a challenge Kennedy is well-prepared to face.
Key Goals of RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary
- Overhaul the Food System
A cornerstone of the MAHA agenda is reforming America’s food system. Kennedy plans to address the root causes of the chronic disease epidemic by promoting healthier dietary standards, reducing the prevalence of processed foods, and tackling obesity in adults. This mission comes at a time when public trust in the U.S. healthcare system has hit a 24-year low. By creating a healthier food environment, Kennedy aims to lay the foundation for a healthier nation. - Remove Conflicts of Interest in Health Agencies
Kennedy has been tasked with depoliticizing health agencies like the FDA and CDC. He told NPR that President Trump instructed him to “remove corruption and conflicts” from regulatory bodies, ensuring they operate based on empirically grounded, evidence-based science. Kennedy’s commitment to transparency aims to rebuild public trust eroded by perceived corporate influence and political interference. - Combat the Chronic Disease Epidemic
In line with Trump’s directives, Kennedy plans to achieve measurable reductions in chronic disease rates within two years. By addressing systemic health issues, including obesity and diet-related conditions, Kennedy envisions a significant shift in public health outcomes.
Watch the full ad here: