Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has released a statement revealing president-elect Donald J. Trump has appointed him to chair a commission on vaccine safety and scientific integrity in his new administration. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the son of Robert Kennedy and an outspoken supporter of safe vaccines. While many health professionals have expressed dismay at the involvement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the creation of this commission would be in line with some of the vaccine and autism concerns Trump expressed during his campaign. The media has been quick to cry anti-vaxxer, but both men are on record as being pro-vaccination, including Trump at a primary debate in 2015. “Autism has become an epidemic,” he said. “… It has gotten totally out of control. I am totally in favor of vaccines. But I want smaller doses over a longer period of time.”

Will unbiased vaccine science finally be available now that the leader of the country is willing to have this kind of discussion in a public forum? There are two factors that could help change these attitudes.

The First Factor

Even if you don’t agree with Robert F. Kennedy Jr, he is still a Kennedy. This comes with name brand recognition, political connections, money, and a legacy of a public service. As a Democrat, he also brings the potential to promote bipartisan agendas. Many movements succeed when they find the right spokesperson. Kennedy could be that person.

The Second Factor

The second factor here is Trump. Taking a position that calls anything about vaccines into question has massive negative repercussions. Most politicians’ reputations don’t recover. (Hi, Jill Stein!). It’s also proven difficult to predict what exactly Trump will do next and which of his many outlandish campaign promises he will uphold. It’s clear he has strong feelings on the subject of vaccinations, but who knows how serious he is about acting on them. According to Hope Hicks, the presidential transition national spokesperson, “The president-elect is exploring the possibility of forming a commission on autism, which affects so many families; however, no decisions have been made at this time…”

What’s Going to Happen?

The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a commission studying vaccine safety would be a huge comfort to people and their loved ones who are struggling with the aftermaths of bad vaccine reactions, whether neurological conditions, paralysis, or developmental disorders. It remains unclear, however, if this commission (if it does indeed happen) will be able to make a difference in vaccine safety. The pharmaceutical industry and the science they have provided is firmly entrenched in the government, medical establishment, and mainstream media. Robert F. Kennedy will have a daunting task ahead of him if he is to adjust these views in any way.

Also, see Robert Kennedy Jr. Accepts Trumps Appointment to Chair Vaccine Committee from the previous day.



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