Gottlieb: RFK Jr. 'will cost lives' if he follows through on health plans

Scott Gottlieb, who served as commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during President-elect Trump’s first term, expressed concerns with the pick of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) due to his anti-vaccine advocacy.

“I think if RFK follows through on his intentions, and I believe he will, and I believe he can, it will cost lives in this country," he said during a Friday appearance on CNBC's "Squawk Box."

"You're going to see measles, mumps and rubella vaccination rates go down, and like I said, if we lose another 5 percent [of vaccinations], which could happen in the next year or two, we will see large measles outbreaks,” he continued.

Many are worried Kennedy, who would need to be confirmed by the Senate to become HHS secretary, will amplify vaccine hesitancy for children despite his promise not to take away vaccines.

Gottlieb said he doesn't think Trump wants to see a "resurgence" in infectious diseases, such as measles, polio and whopping cough. But he noted the nation’s doctors aren’t prepared to provide patients with diagnoses for diseases that have been largely absent for several decades, which could rise if vaccine rates drop.

The doctor who resigned from the FDA in 2019 before joining Pfizer’s board of directors, warned that Kennedy could increase the spread of infectious diseases with the "stroke of a pen."

Still, he emphasized that some in the GOP may not be on board with Kennedy's politics, which could halt his confirmation to lead the health department.

"I think there is skepticism in the Republican caucus — more than I think the press is reporting right now," he said, noting that lawmakers who are against abortion rights dislike Kennedy's opposing stance and that senators from agricultural states are concerned about his policy proposals' impact on food prices.

Gottlieb praised Trump's selection of Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Martin Makary to head the FDA. He noted Oz could be a "transformative" pick to lead the agency and highlighted his confidence in Makary.

"There are some qualified, very capable picks," he continued.

The Hill reached out to the Trump team for comment.

Topics

RFK Jr.'s public health plans under Trump rattle critics

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could help reshape the country’s health care system if former President Trump wins the presidential election Tuesday, concerning skeptics who say his anti-vax posture is ...
Politics - The Hill - November 3
Trump health secretary choice is ‘courting catastrophe’, says rights group – as it happened

This blog is closed, thanks for following along. You can read more of our coverage below: . Reaction: RFK Jr condemned as ‘clear and present danger’ after Trump nomination Full report: Trump ...
World - The Guardian - November 15
RFK Jr. is poised to save the health and lives of millions of Americans

If Kennedy is even halfway successful in his quest to save the American people from the life-robbing threats of ultra-processed foods and toxic chemicals, he can potentially save or improve tens of ...
Politics - The Hill - November 16
Trump says he wants vaccine skeptic RFK Jr to ‘take care of health’ if he wins

Republican adds Kennedy’s remit would include women’s health and says Liz Cheney should be placed in a war zone. US politics live – latest updates Donald Trump said late on Thursday that he ...
World - The Guardian - November 1
RFK Jr. threatens America’s health

Kennedy is prepared to gut the National Institutes of Health, which is the largest funder of health research in the world, by immediately replacing experienced and qualified workers with his own ...
Politics - The Hill - November 19
What to know about fluoride in water following RFK Jr.'s health claims

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent comments on fluoride are prompting questions about its safety in drinking water. Here's what to know.
Top stories - CBS News - November 4
RFK Jr. talks health care agenda following Trump win: ‘I’m not going to take away vaccines’

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who may play a key role in overseeing health care in a second Trump administration, spoke to NBC News’ Vaughn Hillyard about his current views on vaccines, fluoride in water, ...
Top stories - NBC News - November 6
Trump: RFK Jr. will work on 'health and women's health'

Former President Trump said Thursday he would have Robert F. Kennedy Jr. work on "health and women's health" and look at the nation's food supply, the latest indication that the former independent ...
Politics - The Hill - November 1
Doctor explains how RFK Jr.'s plans could affect Americans' health

President-elect Donald Trump has followed through with his campaign promise to pick Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. He is known for falsely claiming that ...
Top stories - CBS News - November 15