Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is no stranger to headlines, but last week, he proactively tweeted about his supposed loyalty to President Trump and that he would not be running for president in 2028. Why? Likely because his actions as Secretary of Health & Human Services are, among other things, poignant reminders of a background that seems more than just an odd fit.
Not only are Kennedy’s controversial stances steeped in junk science and harmful conspiracy theories, but as the curtain is pulled back on his policy measures, it is clear that Kennedy is using his taxpayer-funded position as a platform to push his own agenda and interests—co-opting President Trump’s brand in the process.
Recall that Kennedy was a direct opponent of President Trump in the 2024 presidential election, a position he sought to solidify by first heavily cozying up to Vice President Kamala Harris, seeking a similar Cabinet position where he could carry out his aggressive anti-vaccine, junk science agenda. Harris’ rejection spurred him to pivot and successfully court Trump.
But being appointed by President Trump did not stop the politicking. Just a few weeks ago, Secretary Kennedy’s Super PAC hosted a gathering of prior supporters of his Democrat-turned-Independent bid for the White House in 2024. The call was led, in part, by several Trump administration appointees, including Robert Malone, members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and HHS Deputy Chief of Staff Stefanie Spear.
While they appeared in their personal capacities, it is nevertheless highly unusual for high-ranking executive branch officials to be fundraising for the Super PAC of a candidate who, less than a year ago, was an opponent of the president they all work for.
If Kennedy’s closest advisors feel comfortable raising money on his behalf just six months into Trump’s term, it is a big clue that his ambitions still include being president himself, even if he denies it publicly. That, in turn, begs the question about just how much attention and energy Kennedy is devoting to political scheming, and if that includes undermining his potential future opponents—most notably Vice President JD Vance.
Even Kennedy’s personnel decisions have gone against the Trump administration’s agenda. Very recently, Kennedy fired HHS chief of staff Heather Flick Melanson and Chief Policy Advisor Hannah Anderson. Both have been longtime Republican leaders, particularly within the Trump orbit.
In reaction, a Trump ally described Flick Melanson as someone who "loved working for President Trump.” Indeed, Flick Melanson has been a Trump loyalist dating back to 2016—back when Kennedy was endorsing his longtime friend Hillary Clinton for president.
Kennedy’s self-interest in hitching a ride on the MAGA brand includes moves to ensure he lines his own pockets, such as filing to trademark the phrase “Make America Healthy Again.” After Trump won the 2024 election, he transferred $100,000 in licensing fees he received for selling MAHA-branded merchandise to a MAHA, Inc. limited liability company established in late November 2024, later transferred to Kennedy in December 2024.
Still, the most troubling aspect of Kennedy’s conflicts of interest is that he will personally continue to gain financially from pending and future litigation against vaccine manufacturers while serving as HHS Secretary.
Should Trump be concerned that Kennedy’s opportunism could land him on the long list of former staffers, cabinet officials, and appointees who have publicly turned on the president? Even someone as once-entrenched in MAGA-world as Elon Musk serves as an example.
As the spotlight continues to shine, it’s unclear just how much Kennedy ambition Trump can handle. Kennedy’s focus on his own power and self-interest are becoming harder to hide, interests which deserve the American public’s attention—as well as Trump’s.
Mario H. Lopez is the President of the Hispanic Leadership Fund, a public policy organization that advocates for liberty, opportunity, and prosperity for all Americans.
