RFK Jr. Claims Trump to Remove Fluoride from Water if Elected

RFK Jr. Claims Trump to Remove Fluoride from Water if Elected \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for promoting disputed health theories, announced on social media that Donald Trump intends to eliminate fluoride from public water supplies if elected. Trump’s support for Kennedy’s health policy proposals, particularly around fluoride, underscores the contentious role Kennedy might play in Trump’s administration. Experts worry about the influence of Kennedy, who has previously spread debunked vaccine theories, on U.S. public health.

RFK Jr. on Trump’s Fluoride Plan Quick Looks

• Policy Announcement: RFK Jr. claims Trump will remove fluoride from water on day one.
• Fluoride Benefits: Fluoridation has been credited with reducing cavities and strengthening teeth.
• Expert Concerns: Experts worry about RFK Jr.’s influence given his stance on vaccines.
• Historical Policy: Fluoride has been added to U.S. water since 1950 to prevent decay.
• Legal and Health Debate: Recent research links higher fluoride exposure to lower IQ in children.

Deep Look

On Saturday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known advocate of disputed health theories, announced that if Donald Trump wins the election, he plans to remove fluoride from public drinking water on his first day in office. The declaration, made by Kennedy on the social media platform X, aligns with Trump’s support of Kennedy’s public health viewpoints. Kennedy’s announcement stirred immediate reactions due to the longstanding belief in fluoride’s dental health benefits and the potential public health implications of eliminating it.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers water fluoridation one of the most significant public health advancements of the 20th century. Fluoride has been added to U.S. public water supplies since 1950 to reduce cavities by strengthening enamel, which fluoridation helps remineralize after regular wear and tear. Despite these benefits, Kennedy has long criticized fluoridation, suggesting various health risks without broad scientific support. His social media post on Saturday included a range of claims about fluoride’s alleged health effects, leading some to question his proposed influence in a potential Trump administration.

“On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water,” Kennedy posted, using Trump’s slogan “Make America Healthy Again” as part of his announcement. Trump’s campaign did not respond to inquiries about whether this declaration reflects actual policy discussions, nor did Kennedy provide further details.

Critics expressed concern that this sudden announcement and its format mirrored the often unpredictable policy style seen during Trump’s previous tenure, when major decisions were frequently announced via social media without prior consultation with advisors. Kennedy’s role, if any, in a future Trump administration remains uncertain, though Trump has hinted at a potential public health role for Kennedy. During recent campaign appearances, Trump has indicated that he would allow Kennedy to “work on food, health, and other issues,” but not on energy policy.

Kennedy has long promoted alternative views on public health, including skepticism toward vaccines, which has raised concerns about his potential influence over health agencies. The former Democratic scion recently told NewsNation that Trump approached him with a proposal to “reorganize” several federal health agencies, including the CDC, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and relevant agencies within the Department of Agriculture. Although Kennedy has yet to confirm a formal role, he has become a visible Trump surrogate, recently appearing alongside Trump at rallies in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Fluoridation of public water has been a standard health measure since federal officials endorsed it in 1950 to prevent widespread tooth decay. Although various sources of fluoride exist, researchers say drinking water remains the main source of fluoride for Americans. In 2015, federal health officials reduced the recommended fluoride levels in drinking water to address concerns about dental fluorosis, a condition that creates white spots on teeth due to overexposure to fluoride during childhood. Some critics argue this points to potential overexposure risks, though U.S. levels are generally considered safe by most public health organizations.

Recent studies have continued to examine the effects of fluoride. In August, a federal review concluded there is “moderate confidence” that higher-than-recommended fluoride exposure levels may be linked to lower IQ in children. This report by the National Toxicology Program analyzed studies where fluoride levels were about double the recommended limit in drinking water. Following this research, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen ordered the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reevaluate fluoride regulations, citing an “unreasonable risk” of potential harm, even if causality between standard water fluoridation levels and reduced IQ was not confirmed.

Kennedy referenced Michael Connett, an attorney representing the plaintiffs in a lawsuit aimed at stricter fluoride regulations, in his post on X. Connett represents Food & Water Watch, an environmental advocacy group that has long called for tighter fluoride controls in drinking water. Kennedy’s mention of Connett signals alignment with those seeking to reduce or eliminate fluoride, emphasizing the environmental and health concerns his stance may introduce to public discourse if he gains influence over U.S. health policy.

In addition to his fluoride-related advocacy, Kennedy remains embroiled in a lawsuit through his anti-vaccine organization, targeting major news outlets, including The Associated Press, over alleged antitrust violations. The lawsuit contends that these organizations wrongfully labeled certain health claims as misinformation, particularly regarding COVID-19 and vaccine-related issues. Though Kennedy is on temporary leave from the organization, he is listed as one of its attorneys.

Kennedy’s transformation from an independent presidential candidate to a Trump ally has drawn attention, given his Democratic family legacy. The son of former Attorney General Robert Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, he is seen as an unusual political partner for Trump. Nevertheless, Kennedy has been increasingly visible in Trump’s campaign events, lending an unexpected layer to Trump’s coalition and frequently receiving public acknowledgment from Trump, who cites Kennedy’s support as a political asset.

As debates over public health initiatives and policies around fluoride continue, Kennedy’s assertions highlight the complexities of his public health stance. Experts remain divided on fluoride’s benefits and risks, especially as new research emerges. However, public health authorities like the CDC maintain that water fluoridation remains a safe and effective measure for preventing tooth decay. Should Trump implement Kennedy’s proposed changes, it would mark a significant departure from longstanding public health policies, raising both support and skepticism as Election Day approaches.

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