Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tends to be on the right wing of a (theoretically and historically) left-wing family. And one who flips — seemingly at random, depending on the subject that he might or might not disagree with.
Yes, of course that goes without saying with politicians, we all know that.
Beyond being a politician, RFK is also an environmental lawyer, author, anti-vaccine activist, and (wait for it) conspiracy theorist. Fun!
And misinformation is sorta the name of his game, particularly when it comes to measles.
We’re gonna run you through this.
RFK was once a democratic scion turned anti-vaxx
RFK, at one time a prominent environmentalist and Democratic figure, became best known for his anti-vaccine activism.
His shift has frustrated his family, with some openly calling him dangerous.
Despite his fringe beliefs, he has gained surprising political traction, drawing support from disillusioned Democratic voters.
Through his books, speeches, and organization Children’s Health Defense, Kennedy spreads conspiracy theories about public health, targeting vulnerable communities. His influence has grown, with his misinformation reaching millions. Given his rising political presence, it’s crucial to examine his most extreme claims—none of which are grounded in reality.
RFK’s views on vaccines
Kennedy’s most infamous claim is that vaccines cause autism, a theory he’s pushed since 2005.
He falsely asserts that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, is to blame, despite extensive studies debunking this. His fearmongering led to its removal from most childhood vaccines, though it remains in some flu shots.
His conspiracy theories expanded to include vaccines causing allergies, psychiatric drugs fueling mass shootings, and Wi-Fi causing “leaky brain.”
He spread COVID misinformation, pushing ivermectin, railing against vaccine passports, and blaming vaccines for deaths. His influence has only grown, making his rhetoric harder to ignore.
So what could he ban?
RFK was confirmed to be America’s health secretary in February. And he’s got a lot of targets on his plate.
In fact, Kalshi—a regulated prediction market where users trade real money on future events—is letting people bet on what RFK will ban this year, turning their markets into real-time forecasts.
Erthrosine, better known as Red No. 3, has already paid out. Aspartame and seed oils may face the same fate, with 18% and 9% chances of being banned, respectively, according to the prediction market.
Trump, announcing Kennedy’s nomination, claimed Americans have suffered under deceptive food and drug companies. Kennedy has long blamed these industries and regulatory agencies for declining public health, advocating for major reforms in food safety, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. He has pushed for banning food dyes and additives, citing stricter European regulations.
Kennedy claims U.S. agencies allow harmful ingredients that are banned elsewhere, calling it a result of corruption. However, the FDA counters that the U.S. and Europe use similar scientific safety assessments, though differences in methodology can lead to misleading comparisons.
On social media, Kennedy accused the FDA of suppressing alternative health treatments, including psychedelics, raw milk, and ivermectin. He warned those within what he calls a “corrupt system” to prepare for removal. However, claims about ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 treatments remain scientifically unproven.
Kennedy has also vowed to eliminate fluoride from U.S. drinking water, claiming it causes serious health issues. While fluoridation is controlled by state and local governments, he says a Trump administration would advise against it. Though fluoride has been linked to some health concerns, it has long been added to water supplies to prevent cavities.
Some experts now question its necessity due to its presence in dental products, and recent court rulings have led to reductions in fluoride levels.
Beyond policy, Kennedy plans a sweeping overhaul of federal health agencies. He has pledged to fire and replace 600 NIH employees, particularly those involved in vaccine research. He also intends to dismiss all nutritional scientists in the health and agriculture departments, alleging corporate influence. His scrutiny may extend to the FDA and CDC, signaling a dramatic shake-up of federal health policy under a Trump administration.
