Former President Donald Trump has hinted at potentially banning fluoride in drinking water and limiting vaccines if he secures a second term, aligning with some of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s more contentious public health views, The Hill reported.
In recent days, Trump has entertained the possibility of implementing controversial public health policies championed by the former independent presidential candidate, suggesting he might consider measures like banning certain vaccines and removing fluoride from drinking water in a potential second term.
When NBC News asked Trump about Kennedy's stance on vaccines, Trump did not dismiss the idea; instead, he stated that he would consult with Kennedy and other advisers before making any decisions.
"Well, I'm going to talk to him and talk to other people, and I'll make a decision," Trump said. He described Kennedy as "a very talented guy" with "strong views."
Trump expressed a similar openness regarding fluoride. He acknowledged not having spoken to Kennedy directly about the idea but indicated it was within the realm of possibility. "It sounds OK to me," Trump said. "You know, it's possible."
Kennedy, a vocal critic of mainstream public health policies, has positioned himself as an ally to Trump, claiming that Trump assured him of a potential role within a second-term administration.
Kennedy's focus appears to be on transforming public health agencies. He has voiced his ambitions for a significant leadership role where he could influence policies on food, medicine, and general health practices in the United States.
Trump has supported this, saying he would let Kennedy "go wild on food" and "go wild on medicines" if reelected.
The prospect of Kennedy's influence over national health policy has already generated substantial criticism. Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her disapproval last week, characterizing Kennedy as the "last person in America" suited to oversee public health.
Harris voiced concern over Kennedy's controversial stance on science, which includes support for alternative medical views that experts widely reject.
"[Trump] has indicated the person who would be in charge of healthcare for the American people is someone who has routinely promoted junk science and crazy conspiracy theories…the exact last person in America who should be setting healthcare policy for America's families and children," Harris said Friday.