Trump transition co-chair Howard Lutnick said on CNN Wednesday night that Kennedy “is not going to be in charge of HHS,” though he suggested the noted anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist could get a role examining health and vaccine data. People familiar with the transition conversations say Trump would be more likely to name Kennedy to some sort of food and health “czar” role that does not require Senate confirmation.
Kennedy declined to answer questions for this report, but said in a statement that he’s grateful to the former president for his commitment to end chronic disease.