Allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are reportedly concerned that he is being sidelined within the Trump administration, following the announcement of Dr. Nicole Saphier as the new Surgeon General without Kennedy's significant input.
Concerns Over Marginalization
According to sources close to Kennedy, his influence appears to be waning as the administration makes key health appointments independently. The selection of Saphier, a Fox News contributor who had previously criticized Kennedy and the administration's warnings about Tylenol use in now-deleted social media posts, has heightened these fears.
White House Response
An unnamed Trump adviser dismissed Kennedy's 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, labeling it a 'paper tiger' and 'overrated.' However, the White House has pushed back against claims of marginalization. Senior Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai stated that Kennedy remains central to President Trump's health agenda and that his voice continues to be valued.
Despite the denials, Kennedy's allies worry that his priorities are being overshadowed as the administration charts its own course on health policy.
