"In news reporting, it has been claimed that I am anti-vaccine or anti-pharmaceutical industry. But I am neither. I am for safety."
So plans Robert F Kennedy, environmental lawyer and former independent presidential candidate, to begin his speech before the Senate Finance Committee, according to information from Fox News.
A likely intense interrogation awaits.
Crusade against vaccines
The vaccine issue is what has created the most headlines around the health minister candidate, also known as RFK and who comes from one of the most well-known political families in the USA.
Just hours before the interrogation, his cousin, former ambassador Caroline Kennedy, urged the Senate not to approve him. In a letter, she calls RFK "a predator" who is obsessed with attention and power. She also accuses him of having vaccinated his own children while conducting a "crusade against vaccinations", writes The Washington Post, which has obtained the letter.
It is well-documented that Kennedy has spread conspiracy theories about vaccines since the mid-2000s. He has, among other things, claimed that there are links between vaccinations and autism, a connection that has been dismissed in several scientific studies in the USA.
As recently as last summer, Kennedy said in an interview that "there is no vaccine that is safe and effective" and recently, The New York Times published information showing that he tried to stop the vaccination against covid-19 during the pandemic in May 2021. This by requesting that the pharmaceutical authority FDA withdraw all approvals of covid vaccines.
Better food?
The Harvard-educated Kennedy has also created controversy by demanding that fluoride no longer be added to drinking water, something that is done in some countries (but not Sweden) to improve dental health.
But RFK has also been praised for his fight against unhealthy food in the USA. He is critical of pesticides, genetically modified crops, and ultra-processed foods – a message that has gained a large following on social media, where many health profiles and influencers have joined in.
Born in 1954 in Washington DC, grew up in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. Son of the Democratic Justice Minister, Senator, and namesake Robert F Kennedy and nephew of former President John F Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 and 1963, respectively.
Struggled with drug problems as a young man and was expelled from two boarding schools. Has a degree in history and literature from Harvard University and a law degree from the University of Virginia.
Worked as a prosecutor in New York, became involved in environmental issues, and made a name for himself by suing authorities and companies that polluted the Hudson River.
Has taught environmental law, written books, and run environmental and anti-vaccine organizations.
Ran his own presidential campaign last year, first as a Democrat and then as an independent candidate, but dropped out and backed Republican Donald Trump.
Sources: American media
