More than 75 Nobel Prize winners sent an open letter on Monday expressing their opposition to Donald Trump’s appointment of Robert Kennedy Jr as Minister of Health, due in particular to his “lack of experience” and his anti-vaccine positions.
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“In view of his record, placing Mr. Kennedy in charge of the Ministry of Health would represent a risk for public health,” write these 77 Nobel Prize winners in medicine, physics, chemistry or economics in this letter addressed to American senators.
Among the signatories is Drew Weissman, Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2023 for his work on the development of messenger RNA vaccines, decisive in the fight against Covid-19.
Robert Kennedy Jr, nephew of the assassinated President “JFK”, campaigned for a time as a presidential candidate in November before joining Donald Trump. The Republican rewarded him for his support after his victory by giving him a ministerial portfolio, but this appointment must be subject to a confirmation vote in the Senate, as required by the Constitution.
This former environmental law lawyer, with no scientific training, has propagated conspiracy theories about Covid-19 vaccines as well as alleged links between vaccination and autism, and calls for an end to the addition of fluoride in running water, although considered a great health success in the fight against dental caries.
“In addition to his lack of qualifications or relevant experience in medicine, science, public health, or government, Mr. Kennedy has been an opponent of many vaccines that have helped protect health and save lives, such as those against measles and polio”, criticize the signatories of the open letter in particular.
“We strongly encourage you to vote against the confirmation of his appointment as Minister of Health,” they urge the senators.
Several of Donald Trump’s choices for his government have caused controversy. He notably appointed Pete Hegseth, a former soldier and Fox News presenter, to take charge of the Pentagon despite accusations of sexual assault and excessive alcohol consumption.
The future Republican president has already suffered the forced removal of Matt Gaetz, his first choice for the post of Minister of Justice, after accusations of sexual relations with a minor.
