RFK Jr. claims Trump has pledged to give him ‘control’ of HHS, USDA - E&E News by POLITICO

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Monday that former President Donald Trump has promised him “control” of HHS and the Department of Agriculture, according to a video obtained by POLITICO.

Speaking at a virtual event, the former presidential candidate said “the key that President Trump has promised me is control of the public health agencies, which are HHS and its sub-agencies, CDC, FDA, NIH, and a few others … and then also the USDA.”

Kennedy did not specify whether he was referring to the HHS secretary post. An appointment of Kennedy to a Cabinet position like HHS secretary would require Senate confirmation, which could be a significant hurdle given his vaccine skepticism and other controversial positions.

Kennedy, who mounted a Democratic primary, then a long-shot independent presidential bid before endorsing Trump this summer, might be more able to accomplish his goals in a White House job that does not require Senate confirmation.