In many ways, their alliance is unlikely. Donald Trump and former Democrat Robert Kennedy Jr. have promised to "make America well again," agreeing first on one thing: their distrust of institutions.
Shortly before being elected President of the United States, Donald Trump announced that the former independent candidate would play an "important role in health" in his future government.
An announcement that immediately caused concern, particularly because of the openly vaccine-sceptical positions of Robert Kennedy Jr.
But the respected former environmental lawyer, who argued against Monsanto over the herbicide Roundup, is a difficult figure to pin down with some good ideas, some experts say.
Trying to reassure, the eccentric member of the Kennedy dynasty has maintained in recent days in interviews that he "would not take away anyone's vaccines." While adding that he would make sure that "Americans are well informed" on the issue.
He, who has no scientific training, is known for spreading conspiracy theories, particularly about Covid-19 vaccines - the same ones developed in record time under the Trump administration.
Nephew of assassinated President John F. Kennedy, "RFK" Jr. was credited with some 5% of the vote before stepping down and supporting Donald Trump. Much to the chagrin of other members of his famous family.
– “MAHA” Movement –
Since then, the two surprise allies have been promoting a new movement called MAHA, "Make America Healthy Again", a slogan based on the Republican's famous MAGA ("Make America Great Again").
"Bobby", who according to the press initially courted Democrat Kamala Harris without obtaining the promise of the post he had requested, is now selling "MAHA" caps and other goodies on his website.
His goal: to "transform" the food, air, water, soil and even "the medicines of our country", he proclaims in a video, in a voice that a neurological disease has made quavering.
"Our top priority will be to clean up the public health agencies," those in charge of health recommendations (CDC), research (NIH), drugs (FDA), but also the American Department of Agriculture, he adds.
They "have become the puppets of the industries they are supposed to regulate," says the septuagenarian, for whom the fight against "corruption" is an obsession.
To FDA employees "part of this system," he advised: "Keep your records" and "pack your boxes."
He also caused controversy by saying he would recommend stopping the addition of fluoride to tap water, a measure designed to prevent cavities that the CDC considers one of the 10 greatest health achievements of the 20th century.
- Minister? -
Will he be a White House adviser, or even Health Minister? With Republicans having won a majority in the Senate, confirmation to this second post has become a possibility.
Donald Trump said it at a rally: Robert Kennedy Jr., who fought against the construction of an oil pipeline, will not touch oil.
But he will be in charge of "women's health," the Republican said, at the end of a campaign where the theme of abortion was central.
On this issue, "RFK" has had contradictory positions. He recently defended the idea that women should be able to abort their entire pregnancies, not trusting "the government" to exercise power "over bodies."
He then went back on these statements, pronouncing himself in favor of a ban from the viability of the fetus (around 24 weeks). That is the limit set for 50 years before the American Supreme Court, profoundly reworked by Donald Trump, gives back to the States the freedom to legislate on the question in 2022.
– Chronic diseases –
The last subject he will be in charge of according to Donald Trump, who nevertheless loves fast food: food.
"We must put an end to the epidemic of chronic diseases," particularly obesity, insists Robert Kennedy Jr., who is also a fan of unpasteurized milk, which is so feared by health agencies.
Among a list of measures being considered, he cites lowering the price of anti-diabetes drugs such as Ozempic — a hobby horse of left-wing Senator Bernie Sanders.
Or the idea of preventing food stamps from being used to buy soda or processed foods.
A measure "that I have defended for 15 years," commented Tom Frieden, director of the CDC under Barack Obama. Before adding: if the fight against chronic diseases is appropriate, the "pseudo-science" of the MAHA movement "is not the solution."
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