RFK Jr.’s Rocky Start as Health Secretary

Touting Fries, Doubting Vaccines, and Shaking Up Public Health”

In his first month as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made headlines—but not for the reasons many expected. Known for his controversial views on vaccines and his advocacy for healthier diets, Kennedy’s tenure has been marked by mixed messages, abrupt policy shifts, and a growing divide between public health experts and his supporters.

Kennedy, who campaigned on a promise to “Make America Healthy Again,” has spent much of his early days in office promoting dietary changes, including a highly publicized endorsement of Steak ’n Shake’s decision to cook fries in beef tallow instead of vegetable oils. “Steak ’n Shake has been great, we’re very grateful for them,” Kennedy said during a Fox News interview with Sean Hannity, nibbling on fries as he spoke. While his focus on food has won him praise from some conservatives, it has also drawn criticism from health professionals who argue that his tepid stance on vaccines is undermining public trust in proven medical interventions.

Vaccine skepticism has been a recurring theme in Kennedy’s first month. Despite measles outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico—including the first measles-related death in the U.S. in a decade—Kennedy has downplayed the severity of the situation, noting that “everybody got measles” when he was a child. He has also raised doubts about vaccine safety, claiming in the same Fox News interview that vaccines cause “deaths every year,” though he later clarified that vaccinations should still be encouraged.

These comments have alarmed infectious disease experts, who worry that Kennedy’s rhetoric could erode confidence in vaccines at a time when outbreaks are on the rise. “What he is trying to do is scare people about the safety of vaccines,” said Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “His agenda has always been to get vaccines off the market or make them less available.”

Kennedy’s influence is already being felt within federal health agencies. Under his leadership, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) canceled a key meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices, which makes vaccine recommendations, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) postponed its annual flu vaccine advisory meeting. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has also begun cancelling funding for some vaccine research, raising concerns about the future of public health initiatives.

Meanwhile, Kennedy has pushed for alternative treatments, such as Vitamin A for measles, despite limited evidence of its effectiveness in well-nourished populations. While Vitamin A can help reduce complications in severe cases, experts caution that it is not a substitute for vaccination. “It can’t prevent measles, and it can only provide some help in reducing the severity,” said Dr. Andy Pavia, a pediatric infectious disease specialist.

Kennedy’s supporters, however, have celebrated his early efforts to promote healthier eating. They credit him with inspiring state-level legislation to ban sugary drinks from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and applaud his endorsement of Steak ’n Shake’s switch to beef tallow. “RFK Jr. just ate Steak ’n Shake on live TV,” conservative commentator Charlie Kirk tweeted. “This is the way.”

Yet, Kennedy’s tenure has also been marred by staffing turmoil. Key appointments, including his pick for CDC director, withdrew at the last minute, and his top HHS spokesman resigned after just two weeks. Despite these challenges, Kennedy remains optimistic. In a recent video message, he declared that food manufacturers are taking his “MAHA” movement seriously, adding, “They understand they have a new sheriff in town.”

As Kennedy’s first month draws to a close, the question remains: Will his focus on diet and skepticism of vaccines lead to a healthier America, or will it undermine decades of progress in public health? For now, the nation watches—and waits—to see how this unconventional health secretary will shape the future of U.S. health policy.

This story is written in a professional, engaging tone suitable for a blog or news platform. It highlights the key controversies and actions of RFK Jr.’s first month in office, balancing criticism with his supporters’ perspectives. Let me know if you’d like further refinements!