**RFK Jr. Claims Trump Promised Control of Public Health and Agriculture Departments**

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Monday that former President Donald Trump has assured him control over key federal health and agricultural agencies, according to a video obtained by POLITICO. At a virtual event, Kennedy declared that Trump promised him authority over public health bodies like the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its sub-agencies, such as the CDC, FDA, and NIH, as well as the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Kennedy did not make it clear if he was referring specifically to the role of HHS secretary, a position that requires Senate confirmation — a process which could be challenging due to his controversial stances on vaccines and other issues. After attempting a Democratic primary run and an independent presidential campaign, Kennedy endorsed Trump earlier this year. He might achieve more in a role within the White House that bypasses Senate approval. Steven Cheung, Trump campaign communications director, noted that discussing official appointments is "premature" but did not deny Kennedy's claim.

According to Karoline Leavitt, Trump campaign’s national press secretary, Trump plans to collaborate with influential figures like Kennedy to enhance America’s health by ensuring families have access to safe food and addressing the chronic disease crisis affecting children. She mentioned Trump’s intention to create a presidential commission comprising "independent minds" to investigate the rise in chronic illnesses, steering clear of individuals influenced by Big Pharma.

Trump has shown interest in combating addiction, childhood chronic diseases, and obesity, areas that align well with Kennedy's priorities. Former Trump CDC Director Robert Redfield has supported some of Kennedy’s proposals, suggesting that a Kennedy-led Commission on Childhood Chronic Disease could significantly reduce "needless suffering and death." Nevertheless, Jerome Adams, Trump’s former surgeon general, expressed skepticism about Kennedy's chances of heading a major health agency due to his vaccine rhetoric, although he acknowledged Kennedy could still play a significant advisory role in shaping health policy.

Kennedy is known for making unfounded claims about vaccine safety and efficacy and is the founder of the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense, from which he is currently on leave.