November 3rd 2024.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known advocate for disproven public health claims, has been promised a position in charge of health initiatives by Donald Trump if he is elected as the next president. According to Kennedy, Trump plans to remove fluoride from drinking water on his first day in office.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces cavities by replenishing minerals that are naturally lost over time. Adding small amounts of fluoride to drinking water is considered one of the greatest public health accomplishments of the past century.
Kennedy made his statement on the social media platform X, where he shared his views on the health effects of fluoride. He wrote that on January 20, the Trump administration will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water. He also mentioned that Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, are dedicated to "Making America Healthy Again," a phrase often used by Trump that Kennedy has linked himself to.
During a recent interview, Trump told NBC News that he has not yet discussed the topic of fluoride with Kennedy, but he believes it could be a good idea. When asked about the possibility of Kennedy joining his Cabinet, Trump stated that Kennedy will have a significant role in his administration. He also mentioned that he would be open to discussing the banning of certain vaccines with Kennedy and other experts, as Kennedy is known for his strong opinions on the matter.
The sudden and unexpected social media post by Kennedy over the weekend brought to mind the chaotic decision-making process of Trump's White House, where he would often use Twitter to announce policies at all hours of the day. It also raised concerns among experts about Kennedy's potential influence on U.S. public health, as he has a history of promoting false theories about vaccine safety.
The practice of adding fluoride to drinking water was first endorsed by federal officials in 1950 as a way to prevent tooth decay. Even after fluoride toothpaste became available a few years later, officials continued to promote water fluoridation as the main source of fluoride for Americans.
In 2015, the recommended levels of fluoride in drinking water were lowered to address a condition called fluorosis, which can cause discoloration on teeth and was becoming more common among children in the U.S.
In August, a federal agency found a possible link between higher levels of fluoride exposure and lower IQ in children. The National Toxicology Program based its conclusion on studies involving fluoride levels that were about twice the recommended limit for drinking water.
A federal judge cited this study in a ruling that ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water. While the link between fluoride and lower IQ is not yet conclusive, the judge determined that there is an unreasonable risk and ordered the EPA to take action to reduce it.
In his social media post, Kennedy tagged Michael Connett, the lead attorney representing the plaintiff in the lawsuit against the EPA. Kennedy's anti-vaccine organization also has a pending lawsuit against news organizations, including The Associated Press, for allegedly violating antitrust laws by fact-checking misinformation about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. Kennedy is currently on leave from the organization, but is listed as one of its attorneys in the lawsuit.
It is unclear what role Kennedy would have in Trump's administration if he wins the election. Kennedy recently revealed that Trump asked him to help reorganize several agencies, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and some agencies under the Department of Agriculture.
For now, Kennedy has become one of Trump's top surrogates and frequently joins him at rallies. Trump has mentioned Kennedy's support on multiple occasions, highlighting his prestigious family background as the son of former Attorney General Robert Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy.
During a rally in Michigan and Wisconsin, Trump stated that he told Kennedy he could work on any issue except oil policy. Trump added that Kennedy is passionate about improving all aspects of health, including women's health, men's health, and children's health.
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