politics
HHS Secretary Kennedy Says He Will Not Run for President in 2028
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated he has no plans to seek the presidency in 2028. Kennedy faces competing pressures from Make America Healthy Again supporters who want stronger action on vaccines and pesticides and from the Trump administration. He is scheduled to campaign for Republican candidates in competitive midterm races.
May 15, 5:00 AM·3m read1 source
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he will not run for president in 2028. Kennedy made the statement in response to a question from KFF Health News on May 7. " Kennedy is navigating demands from Make America Healthy Again supporters who view him as central to advancing their priorities, including greater parental choice on childhood vaccinations and limits on certain pesticides.
At a recent event at the Cleveland City Club, his remarks calling for more parental choice on vaccines drew applause from half the audience and sighs from the other half. Protesters' chants were audible from inside the venue. His travel schedule will include campaign appearances for Republican lawmakers in states with competitive midterm races.
The goal is to support GOP candidates. These appearances highlight the competing pressures Kennedy faces in maintaining support among Republican voters and MAHA adherents. A widening difference has emerged between the White House and some MAHA priorities.
The Trump administration nominated Erica Schwartz, a doctor who has supported vaccines, to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kennedy had previously removed the agency's prior director, Susan Monarez, who said she was ousted for not preapproving vaccine recommendations. The administration also withdrew the nomination of wellness influencer Casey Means for U.S.
surgeon general and instead nominated Nicole Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor. Kennedy has said he supports the selection of Saphier and described her as a "long-time warrior for the MAHA movement" on X. Some MAHA supporters have criticized both choices as insufficiently aligned with their goals.
