Credit score: CC0 Public Area
Seventy-seven Nobel prize winners on Monday despatched an open letter to the US Senate opposing the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s selection for Secretary of Well being and Human Providers (HHS), citing his “lack of credentials” and anti-vaccine beliefs.
“In view of his record, placing Mr. Kennedy in charge of DHHS would put the public’s health in jeopardy,” concludes the letter signed by 77 Nobel recipients in medication, chemistry, physics and economics.
Among the many signatories is Drew Weissman, who obtained the 2023 Nobel Prize in Drugs for his work on creating mRNA vaccines, which was a significant breakthrough within the battle towards COVID-19.
Kennedy, a nephew of assassinated US president John F. Kennedy Jr, made his personal White Home run earlier this 12 months earlier than throwing his assist behind Trump.
In return, Trump has tapped him to supervise the a part of the manager department in control of well being and medication—although his choice should be permitted by a majority of the US Senate, as outlined by the Structure.
An environmental lawyer by commerce with no medical background, Kennedy has spent years professing conspiracy theories linking vaccines and autism, and most not too long ago unfold misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines.
He has mentioned if he’s confirmed for the place he’ll work to take away fluoride from faucet water within the US, regardless of its addition being thought of a significant victory towards micro organism inflicting tooth decay.
“In addition to his lack of credentials or relevant experience in medicine, science, public health, or administration,” the letter reads, “Mr. Kennedy has been an opponent of many health-protecting and life-saving vaccines, such as those that prevent measles and polio.”
“We strongly urge you to vote against the confirmation of his appointment,” the letter mentioned.
Kennedy is way from the one Trump cupboard nominee to stir controversy.
And Trump’s first decide for Legal professional Normal, former US Congressman Matt Gaetz, withdrew after additional scrutiny emerged of alleged sexual relations he had with a minor.
© 2024 AFP
Quotation:
Dozens of Nobel laureates signal letter opposing RFK Jr. as Trump’s well being secretary (2024, December 10)
retrieved 10 December 2024
from https://medicalxpress.com/information/2024-12-dozens-nobel-laureates-letter-opposing.html
This doc is topic to copyright. Aside from any honest dealing for the aim of personal examine or analysis, no
half could also be reproduced with out the written permission. The content material is supplied for info functions solely.