Trump supports Kennedy in vaccine policy, despite the risks

But so far, the president has been firm in his support for Kennedy, according to sources familiar with the relationship between the two, emphasizing Trump’s willingness to challenge the US health system, as he did with the academy, law, media and other US society institutions.

“He’s a very good person … and has good intentions, but has some slightly different ideas,” Trump told reporters on Thursday at the White House after senators questioned Kennedy at an audience early in the day. “If we look at what is happening in the world in relation to health, and observe this country also in relation to health, I like the fact that it is different.”

Trump and Kennedy talk regularly, although not as often as the president talks to some other office employees, a White House employee said. They do not share the same passion, added the employee, but Trump supports the secretary.

Trump rewarded Kennedy with the position of Health and Human Services after obtaining the support of the movement Make America Healthy Againinspired by Kennedy, in the 2024 election. Kennedy, who comes from one of the country’s most famous political dynasties, briefly ran for the presidency as Democrat and independent before giving up to support Trump.

In December, Trump minimized the possibility of the longtime critic of the vaccine making extreme changes.

Trump’s own opinions about vaccines are complicated. Although it may claim credit by accelerating the development of covid-19 vaccines during its first term, it has been reluctant to open them openly due to the resistance of its political base to vaccines and the broader response to the pandemic.