The FDA’s outgoing head, Robert Califf, warned that major changes under President-elect Donald Trump and his plans to assign vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to oversee public health policy could undermine the agency’s stability.
Richard Luscombe reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Robert Califf, FDA commissioner under Obama and Biden, expressed concern that Trump and Kennedy’s leadership could destabilize FDA functions.
- Trump has pledged to allow Kennedy to “go wild” on public health agencies, possibly granting him influence over FDA policies on vaccines, fluoride and food safety.
- Califf advised that the next FDA commissioner must value scientific evidence and uphold the agency's rigorous standards, despite anticipated upheavals.
Key quote:
“Not having experts, I think historically in every society, has been a case for demise of that society.”
— Robert Califf, outgoing FDA commissioner
Why this matters:
The FDA’s leadership and approach to evidence-based policy directly impact the safety and efficacy of the U.S. food and drug supply. Drastic shifts in agency oversight could have serious public health implications, especially regarding vaccine policy and drug approval processes.
Related: Health agencies could see sweeping changes under second Trump administration
