At 'Make America Healthy Again' summit, Vance praises RFK Jr. for defying convention

Vice President JD Vance praised Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the "Make America Healthy Again" summit for questioning established science and embracing unconventional perspectives in healthcare. Vance stated that experts have often been wrong throughout history and that Kennedy's willingness to ask novel questions in government has been crucial to their success. Kennedy, a polarizing figure known for his skepticism of vaccines and his disruptive approach to health policy, has been embraced by the White House as a catalyst for change. Despite past disagreements with President Donald Trump on issues like COVID-19 vaccines and abortion, the administration has largely supported Kennedy's wide-ranging changes to health agencies. Critics, including leading medical associations, argue that Kennedy's disregard for scientific consensus is eroding public trust in mainstream medicine, amplifying fringe views from his official position. Erik Polyak of the progressive PAC 314 Action described the summit as an "ego-stroking symposium" whose attendees' rejection of scientific expertise jeopardizes public health. Kennedy and his supporters contend their agenda is not anti-science. Vance acknowledged that many of Kennedy's allies lack conventional medical backgrounds and some have business experience instead of health expertise, noting that many have rejected medical consensus on topics like vaccines and chronic disease. Vance highlighted that Kennedy's approach to disrupting bureaucracy aligns with President Trump's own style, describing Trump as someone who constantly challenges societal norms. The summit, held in Washington, followed a conference in Austin, Texas, hosted by Children's Health Defense, an anti-vaccine group previously led by Kennedy, which focused on topics like mRNA vaccine technology and vaccine injuries. The Make America Healthy Again event featu... download the app to read more