Nobel Laureates Oppose Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Nomination as Health Secretary
More than 75 Nobel Prize winners have united in an open letter expressing their strong opposition to President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health. The letter, released on December 9, 2024, highlights concerns regarding Kennedy's lack of relevant experience and his controversial anti-vaccine stance. The signatories, including Drew Weissman, who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2023 for his work on mRNA vaccines, argue that appointing Kennedy would pose a significant risk to public health.
The letter emphasizes that Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer with no scientific training, has propagated conspiracy theories regarding vaccines and has called for the removal of fluoride from drinking water, a measure widely recognized for its role in preventing tooth decay. The laureates assert that his appointment would undermine public health initiatives and America's leadership in health sciences. They urge senators to reject his confirmation, stating, "We strongly encourage you to vote against confirming his appointment as Minister of Health."
Concerns Over Public Health and Scientific Integrity
The open letter marks a rare instance of Nobel laureates collectively opposing a government nominee, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Richard Roberts, a 1993 Nobel laureate in medicine and one of the letter's drafters, remarked on the damaging nature of political attacks on science and the need to protect scientific integrity. The laureates argue that Kennedy's promotion of unfounded conspiracy theories, including false links between vaccines and autism, could jeopardize public health and diminish trust in established health agencies such as the FDA and CDC.
The letter also points out Kennedy's history of criticizing these agencies, which would fall under his jurisdiction if confirmed. The nomination is set to undergo a Senate confirmation vote, a process that has already seen controversy surrounding other cabinet picks by Trump, including the dismissal of his first choice for attorney general due to serious allegations.
