Prominent environmental attorney and public health advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a staunch supporter of Armenian issues, has been nominated as the new Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by President-elect Donald J. Trump, reports Zartonk Media.
Kennedy, who also ran as an Independent Presidential Candidate, has dedicated his career to championing environmental justice and public health. As president of Waterkeeper Alliance, an organization focused on clean water and a healthier planet, he has led significant legal battles to protect communities from harmful corporate practices and environmental degradation. His decades-long commitment to creating safer environments and addressing public welfare issues has earned him respect across the political spectrum for his steadfast and often bipartisan advocacy.
Kennedy has demonstrated a deep commitment to Armenian causes. Earlier this year, he gave an exclusive interview to Zartonk Media, during which he took strong stances on pressing Armenian issues. He advocated for the return of Armenians to Artsakh, called for increased pressure on Turkey to address its role in regional conflicts, and proposed a rethinking of NATO’s influence in relation to Armenia and its security. Kennedy also spoke against the ethnic cleansing in Artsakh and highlighted Western perspectives on the situation, demonstrating a deep understanding of the geopolitical and human rights challenges faced by Armenians. His consistent advocacy has made him a respected voice within the Armenian community.
Kennedy’s nomination to lead the Health Department brings another strong pro-Armenian voice into President-elect Trump’s Cabinet, joining Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence and Marco Rubio as Secretary of State. Their presence in key positions within the administration underscores the potential for increased advocacy and meaningful support for Armenian issues at the highest levels of government.
In speaking about historical injustices, Kennedy has publicly acknowledged and supported the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and justice for the victims and their descendants.
In announcing Kennedy’s nomination, President-elect Trump stated, “I am thrilled to announce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies”¦ Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again.”
In response, Kennedy said, “Thank you, Donald Trump, for your leadership and courage. I’m committed to advancing your vision to Make America Healthy Again”¦ Together we will clean up corruption, stop the revolving door between industry and government, and return our health agencies to their rich tradition of gold-standard, evidence-based science.” He emphasized the importance of “bringing transparency and access to all the data so [Americans] can make informed choices for themselves and their families” and declared, “My commitment to the American people is to be an honest public servant.”
