Raw milk to stem cells, Robert F. Kennedy Jr to rein in ‘inappropriate’ medical treatments

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

, who has a long history of spreading discredited theories of vaccines, is now one of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s advisers on health. Back in October 2024, RFK Jr. criticized the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), vouching to end ‘FDA’s war on public health’, and firing the employees who are part of the ‘corrupt’ system.
Though it is unclear how Robert F. Kennedy Jr. might influence the White House at present, his previous controversial statement hints at a possible shift in health policy.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the former independent presidential candidate could possibly act as a White House czar for policy over several federal health agencies, according to multiple reports. Trump has voiced his support for Mr. Kennedy of late and stated that he will let him ‘go wild on health’.
In a statement on X, in October 2024, Mr. Kennedy said, “FDA’s war on public health is about to end. This includes its aggressive suppression of psychedelics, peptides, stem cells,

raw milk

, hyperbaric therapies, chelating compounds, ivermectin,

hydroxychloroquine

, vitamins, clean foods, sunshine, exercise, nutraceuticals and anything else that advances human health and can’t be patented by Pharma. If you work for the FDA and are part of this corrupt system, I have two messages for you: 1. Preserve your records, and 2. Pack your bags.”

The former independent presidential candidate has vowed to ‘Make America Healthy Again’. Though some of his priorities include focusing on the health effects associated with ultra-processed foods is standard, some are alarming including raw milk,

chelation therapy

for autism among others. Kennedy also spoke about combatting an ‘epidemic’ of chronic diseases that according to him is an ‘existential’ threat to America’s future.

From raw milk to heavy metals, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s F.D.A wish list is quite something. Here’s a list of items raised by Kennedy and the actions the agency has taken.
Raw milkConsuming raw milk has always been risky according to the F.D.A. and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Health experts have long warned of the dangers of raw milk, which has been linked to several diseases from bacteria, including E. coli, that can cause kidney failure and even death. The recent outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu, and the virus detected in nearly 500 herds across 15 states, also raise health concerns. Pasteurization of milk effectively neutralizes this virus.
Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, the executive director of the American Public Health Association told the New York Times that Promoting consumption of raw milk — or silencing the F.D.A. from warning about its risks — is ‘probably a bad idea’ amidst the bird flu outbreak. He also added that there are no tests as of now to screen milk for H5N1 strain, and not all cows show symptoms.
HydroxychloroquineDuring the onset of the pandemic, under the pressure of Mr. Trump, the F.D.A authorized emergency use of hydroxychloroquine, a drug used to treat malaria, for COVID-19, following reports of its potential effectiveness. However, the authorization was later revoked in June, when a study found the ineffectiveness of the dryg and also the possible serious heart-related side effects.
Dr. Ashish Jha, a former Biden White House adviser on the Covid pandemic and the dean of the Brown University School of Public Health expressed that the FDA showed flexibility in time of crisis and removed it when important information came in. Subsequent research confirmed hydroxychloroquine did not work against COVID-19.

Chelation

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has promoted chelation therapy (which is used to remove heavy metals from the body after serious exposure) as a potential treatment for autism, despite the lack of scientific evidence. Mr. Kennedy, who has a track record of promoting pseudoscientific and conspiratorial views, has claimed that some cases of autism may actually be caused by mercury poisoning from vaccines.

Dr. Jeffrey Brent, a toxicologist at the University of Colorado School of Medicine stated that he doubted that ‘any legitimate physician’ would consider it as a treatment for autism. In 2005, a 5-year-old boy died after a doctor in western Pennsylvania tried to treat his autism with chelation. FDA sent warning letters in 2010 to organizations that marketed unapproved chelation products for conditions like autism.

Stem cells

Though stem cell treatments have shown promise in treating Type 1 diabetes and macular degeneration, rogue clinics have exploited the excitement around stem cells, and promoted cures that are unapproved by FDA and potentially harmful treatments. In 2017, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, who was appointed by Trump to lead the FDA during his first term, warned about “unscrupulous actors who have seized on the clinical promise,” and selling “unproven and, in some cases, dangerously dubious products.”
The same year, researchers at Stanford University reported significant vision loss in patients treated at a Florida stem cell clinic. Following this, the FDA filed permanent injunctions against similar clinics in California and Florida. However, in a decision on September 27, this year, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld the FDA’s authority to regulate these treatments.