Thursday, November 14, 2024

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1/ Trump asked Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as secretary of health and human services, putting one of the nation’s leading vaccine skeptics in charge of America’s health care agencies. Kennedy has spread discredited conspiracy theories that vaccines cause autism, opposed CDC guidance on water fluoridation for dental health, backed the consumption of raw milk against FDA warnings, and endorsed hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19, despite FDA findings that it is ineffective. In October, Trump said he would let Kennedy “go wild on health,” “go wild on the food,” and “go wild on medicines” if reelected. HHS oversees both the CDC and the FDA. The position requires Senate confirmation. (Politico / CNN / Axios / New York Times / Wall Street Journal / The Guardian / Washington Post)

🧩 What’s at stake? The nomination of RFK Jr. to lead HHS could drastically alter the landscape of public health, possibly compromising the scientific standards that guide health decisions affecting millions. Health agencies rely on public trust, which is already challenged by misinformation and political divides. A leader who challenges these agencies on unfounded grounds may exacerbate skepticism, weaken preventative health efforts, and put the nation at greater risk during health emergencies. Furthermore, if policies diverge from evidence-based practices, future generations may inherit a weakened public health infrastructure. Protecting the integrity of public health agencies and reinforcing the trustworthiness of scientific research is essential for a resilient, well-prepared society.

Who’s in Trump’s new administration so far:

Matt Gaetz, Attorney General

2/ Matt Gaetz abruptly resigned from Congress hours after Trump announced his nomination for attorney general. The resignation comes two days before the House Ethics Committee was scheduled to release a “highly damaging” report detailing allegations against Gaetz, including sex trafficking involving underage girls, illicit drug use, and accepting bribes. Gaetz’s resignation means he is no longer a congressman, and the committee no longer has jurisdiction over him. (New York Times / Associated Press / Visit WTF Just Happened Today? for more news and headlines, brought to you by Matt Kiser. The WTFJHT Podcast is narrated and produced by Joe Amditis.