RFK Jr. alarms leaders in health, even many in GOP

Kennedy ’s history of vaccine skepticism has triggered alarm from leaders in the industry and even from some former GOP health officials.

Some fear that Kennedy could delegitimize Trump 's genuine health care goals.

Kennedy reworked his vaccine theories during his campaign, casting his comments into broader concern about a rise in childhood chronic illnesses.

Those close to Trump ’s orbit say to focus on the chronic disease messaging, not Kennedy or his previous stances.

Trump said this summer that he would “probably” appoint Kennedy to a role, but has backed away from that position before, such as when Kennedy angled to chair a vaccine commission in the first Trump administration.

Kennedy 's MAHA website lays out the priorities that he, “with President Trump 's backing” would pursue.

Republicans have targeted the agency, along with the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health , for post-pandemic hearings, reforms and possible restructuring.

The Republican -led House of Representatives has hammered those agencies this year on the Covid-19 response and potential reforms.