In a move that has caught many by surprise, former CDC Director Robert Redfield has endorsed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead a proposed Commission on Childhood Chronic Disease. This endorsement is particularly unexpected given Kennedy’s history of criticizing Redfield and the CDC. The support aligns with former President Donald Trump’s idea to appoint Kennedy to this pivotal role.
Kennedy shared his reaction to the endorsement in a video posted on X. He recounted that during their first-ever meeting over lunch, Redfield told him, “You got everything right.” Kennedy was taken aback by this affirmation, describing the moment as “breathtaking.”
On September 24, Redfield penned an op-ed expressing his concerns about the declining health of American children. He argued that the escalating rates of chronic diseases among kids could be reversed with Kennedy at the helm of the commission. Redfield stated that the unnecessary suffering and fatalities could be eliminated, alleviating a significant burden on the nation both emotionally and financially.
Redfield also addressed the issue of “agency capture,” agreeing with Kennedy’s critiques of federal health agencies. He highlighted that the FDA relies heavily on funding from pharmaceutical companies, which could influence its decisions. Additionally, he pointed out that NIH scientists receive financial gains from drug royalties, potentially compromising their objectivity. Redfield suggested that these conflicts of interest hinder the agencies’ ability to serve the public effectively.
Extending his criticism beyond health agencies, Redfield took aim at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He accused the department of prioritizing large corporate entities over small farmers and public health concerns. This perspective aligns with Kennedy’s views on the need for systemic reforms to prioritize citizens’ well-being over corporate profits.
Kennedy, an advocate for public health reforms, has recently distanced himself from the Democratic Party. He has reduced his efforts toward an independent presidential campaign and has endorsed former President Trump. Kennedy believes that Trump’s “America First” approach can lead to significant improvements in the nation’s health policies. He envisions an agenda focused on making America healthy again by addressing chronic diseases and reforming government agencies.
The endorsement from Redfield has sparked conversations among conservatives about the potential for meaningful changes in public health policy. With both Redfield and Kennedy advocating for reforms, there is growing interest in how this collaboration might influence future initiatives aimed at improving children’s health.
The alliance between these two figures underscores a shared concern for the nation’s health challenges and a willingness to cross traditional boundaries to address them. As they push for a commission dedicated to combating chronic diseases among children, their combined efforts
