Earlier this year, US president Donald Trump sent shock waves across America’s medical and scientific community by appointing Robert F Kennedy jnr, one of America’s most prominent vaccine-sceptics, as secretary of health and human services.

Since then, the controversial health secretary has caused large upheaval within America’s public health system, making appointments and changing vaccine policies which impact the lives of millions of Americans.

RFK Jnr has also been widely criticised for firing Susan Monarez, the director of the Centre for Disease Control, the federal agency in charge of protecting the health of Americans.

Kennedy claims his new appointments to oversee disease control are committed to “evidence-based medicine” and “gold standard science”.

But, scientists and doctors across the US say he is putting Americans’ health in danger and undermining public trust in highly safe and effective vaccines.

What has been the impact, so far, of a prominent vaccine-sceptic, with no medical background, leading America’s health agenda? How far will Trump back him?

And what does Kennedy’s anti-vaccine approach mean for the future of scientific research in the United States?

Today, on In The News, RFK Jnr has vowed to upend American healthcare. But how far will he go?

UCD Clinton Institute professor of American Studies Scott Lucas discusses Robert F Kennedy Jr’s tightening grip on America’s public health system.

Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by John Casey and Andrew McNair. 

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