**Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Qualifications for Health and Human Services Secretary Under Scrutiny**

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., poised to become the next Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President-elect Donald Trump, faces skepticism from former campaign staffers about his capacity to manage one of the largest federal agencies. Kennedy, a member of the illustrious Kennedy family in Democratic politics, has experience as a lawyer and environmental advocate but has not been closely involved in executive management.

Kennedy is known for his roles in nonprofit organizations and legal battles, where he has often served as a public figure rather than an executive. Jeff Hutt, spokesperson for the Make America Healthy Again political action committee and Kennedy's former national field director, noted, "He's an inspirational leader who's able to communicate. But he's not a manager."

Kennedy's recent presidential campaign, which ended with $4.5 million in debt, serves as a case point for critics. Staffers from the suspended campaign express doubts about Kennedy's ability to lead a department that oversees 13 sub-agencies, with a budget exceeding $1 trillion and over 80,000 employees. One former staffer, who wished to remain anonymous, remarked, "I have no idea how he's going to run a full department if that's how he ran the campaign."

Trump's mandate for the HHS involves confronting complex issues such as harmful chemicals, pollutants, and food additives, adding to the challenges ahead for Kennedy. Despite Kennedy's significant contributions as an environmental advocate, including his pivotal role in the lawsuit against Monsanto, his lack of experience managing large teams raises concerns.

Kennedy’s leadership style during the campaign, characterized by a reliance on a close-knit group of friends and family rather than professional staff, led to operational inefficiencies and conflicts. "The campaign was a handful of people that were actual professionals, and a bunch of folks that Bobby's met along the health freedom journey," shared another former staffer, highlighting the internal dynamics which hindered the campaign's effectiveness.

In the financial arena, the campaign fell short despite raising about $62 million, thanks in part to the wealth of his running mate, Nicole Shanahan. Former finance director Dave Murphy believes the campaign could have considerably increased its fundraising efforts if managed more efficiently.

Former staffers, while acknowledging Kennedy's strengths as a spokesperson and his genuine approach to relationship-building, insist that he will need a competent deputy to fulfill his HHS role effectively. Jeff Hutt emphasized the importance of seeking outside expertise, stating, "He's going to need a good deputy... I would hope that he would go outside of his campaign staffers for this position."

In summary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s impending appointment as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services brings up critical questions about his management capabilities and preparedness to handle the extensive responsibilities that come with the position.