Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took a firm stand on Friday, firmly dismissing speculation that he intended to run for president in 2028. Amidst a flurry of rumors suggesting an intra-party rivalry with President Donald Trump, Kennedy clarified his position with a decisive statement aimed at maintaining unity within the administration.
Kennedy addressed the rumors head-on, labeling them as "flat-out lies" and a product of the "swamp" - a term popularized by Trump to describe the perceived corruption in Washington D.C. Kennedy wrote, “The swamp is in full panic mode. D.C. lobby shops are laboring fiercely to drive a wedge between President Trump and me, hoping to thwart our team from dismantling the status quo and advancing POTUS’ Make America Healthy Again agenda.” This response highlights the internal challenges facing the administration as it seeks to implement its health-focused policies.
The controversy has been further fueled by the actions of Kennedy's close aides, particularly his principal deputy chief of staff and senior counselor, Stefanie Spear. Spear, who previously served as Kennedy’s campaign press secretary, has been a visible figure in promoting the MAHA agenda. Despite calls for her dismissal from Laura Loomer, a high-profile Trump adviser, Kennedy has defended Spear, praising her commitment to the cause.
The political journey of Kennedy has indeed been unorthodox. Originally beginning his 2024 bid as a Democrat, he made a tactical party switch to independent before ultimately aligning with President Trump. The union of Kennedy's MAHA movement with Trump's MAGA campaign was pivotal in the defeat of the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Despite the success, Kennedy's moves have not been without scrutiny. Spear, in particular, has been a target due to her past support for Democratic causes. Kennedy, however, remains steadfast in her defense, crediting her with significant contributions to public health initiatives.
The rumors of a 2028 run were partly sparked by a call with MAHA supporters, including comedian Russell Brand, where some allegedly misinterpreted discussions as indicative of Kennedy's political aspirations. However, Kennedy's aide Tony Lyons was quick to dispel such notions, stating, “Secretary Kennedy never gave any indication that he was planning to run for president.”
Kennedy's statement serves to reinforce his dedication to his current role within the Trump administration. He expressed a personal conviction in the president's ability to address the chronic disease epidemic in the United States, viewing his position as an answer to his long-held prayers. As he concluded, his focus remains squarely on health policy reform until the end of Trump's tenure.
