1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

As an ardent proponent of science-based policymaking, I must express grave concerns over the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. His well-documented history of disseminating misinformation about vaccine safety and efficacy poses a significant threat to public health initiatives. Appointing someone who has actively undermined trust in vital preventive measures like immunization programs would be detrimental to the department's mission of safeguarding the nation's well-being. Scientific consensus, backed by overwhelming evidence, affirms the safety and importance of vaccines in eradicating deadly diseases and protecting vulnerable populations. Kennedy's selection signals a dangerous departure from this established medical consensus, potentially emboldening anti-vaccine sentiments and jeopardizing hard-won public health victories. It is imperative that the nation's top health agency be led by individuals committed to upholding rigorous scientific standards rather than promoting unsubstantiated conspiracy theories. Furthermore, Kennedy's stated intentions to overhaul food safety regulations, environmental guidelines, and funding for medical research raise additional alarms. Such far-reaching policy shifts must be guided by robust empirical data and input from subject matter experts, not driven by ideological agendas or pseudoscience. The immense scope of HHS necessitates a leader capable of navigating complex issues with intellectual honesty, nuance, and a firm grounding in factual evidence. For the well-being of all Americans and the integrity of the nation's public health infrastructure, I strongly urge the reconsideration of this misguided nomination. The Department of Health and Human Services deserves a secretary dedicated to advancing scientifically sound policies and rebuilding public trust in institutions tasked with preserving our collective health and safety.