Donald Trump appointed Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a 2024 presidential contender who pledged to “Make America Healthy Again,” as the next secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday.
Kennedy’s message touched a chord with many voters who are concerned about the ingredients in their meals. Moms and health-conscious influencers are sharing and repeating Kennedy’s talking points on social media, even the ones that are essentially debunked conspiracy theories as well as those that could have some validity.
How “Make America Healthy Again” (#MAHA) was so successful?
More than ever, Americans are concerned about their health, and a plethora of medical advice is being shared on social media, the majority of which is not from qualified professionals.
The anti-vaccine movement has gained traction after COVID, some voters have lost faith in government authorities, and people are afraid of the increase in cancer among young people.
Kennedy is known for doubting the origin of the COVID-19 virus and criticizing immunizations. He has also advocated for the elimination of fluoride from drinking water, discussed the potentially negative effects of food dyes, and disseminated baseless assertions regarding a connection between childhood immunizations and autism.
Kennedy’s messages arrive at a time when lots of people are more skeptical of the government and worried about their health.
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Young celebrities including Princess Kate, Olivia Munn, Jenna Fischer, and James Van Der Beek have all lately disclosed that they have (or have had) cancer. This is consistent with evidence indicating an increase in 17 distinct cancer forms among Gen Xers and millennials.
Americans are eager for answers and unsure of whom to believe as researchers attempt to determine the precise cause.
Additionally, some of the MAHA movement’s concepts border on conspiracy theory. Kennedy has stated his desire to put an end to “the FDA’s war on public health” and to the agency’s “aggressive suppression” of natural products such as sunshine, ivermectin, and raw milk.
- Last week, he told MSNBC that the research behind vaccine safety “has huge deficits in it.” (Currently, FDA-approved vaccines must pass stringent clinical trials and undergo ongoing quality testing.)
- Richard Hughes, a health care attorney at Epstein Becker Green, stated that “the spread of false information and disinformation is one of the more worrying things that could happen.” “In RFK Jr., you have someone that does not follow mainstream science.”
However, current FDA commissioner Dr. Robert Califf stressed that specialists must be crucial regardless of who is in control.