Fluoride is recognized for its ability to strengthen teeth and reduce cavities by replenishing minerals lost during normal use, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The practice of adding low levels of fluoride to drinking water has been hailed as a significant public health achievement over the past century.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a statement on the social media platform X, asserting claims regarding the health effects of fluoride. Kennedy stated that on January 20, the Trump White House would advise all U.S. water systems to eliminate fluoride from public water, a move he framed as part of Trump’s initiative to “Make America Healthy Again.” However, it remains uncertain if Kennedy consulted with Trump or his aides before making this announcement. The Trump campaign did not provide a direct response, and Kennedy’s spokesperson also did not comment when queried.
Danielle Alvarez, a senior advisor for the Trump campaign, mentioned that while President Trump has received various policy suggestions, he is currently focused on the upcoming election. The unexpected nature of Kennedy’s social media post over the weekend reflects the unpredictable approach to policymaking that was noted during Trump’s previous administration, when he often made policy announcements via Twitter at all hours. This situation also highlights concerns about Kennedy, who has been known to promote debunked theories regarding vaccine safety, gaining influence over U.S. public health policy.
In 1950, federal authorities endorsed water fluoridation to combat tooth decay and continued this advocacy even after fluoride toothpaste became available. Though fluoride can be sourced from various outlets, drinking water remains the primary source for Americans, according to researchers. In 2015, officials lowered recommended fluoride levels in drinking water due to an increase in fluorosis—a condition that causes discoloration on teeth—among U.S. children.
A federal agency in August reported with moderate confidence a link between higher fluoride exposure and reduced IQ in children, based on studies of fluoride levels about double the recommended drinking water limit. U.S. District Judge Edward Chen referenced this study while mandating that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) take actions to further regulate fluoride in drinking water. Judge Chen acknowledged that it is not definitively proven that typical amounts of fluoride in water lead to lower IQs in children, but suggested that emerging research indicates a significant risk. He instructed the EPA to mitigate these risks but did not specify the exact measures to be implemented.
In his X post, Kennedy mentioned Michael Connett, the lead attorney for the plaintiff in the lawsuit filed by the environmental group Food & Water Watch against the EPA. Kennedy’s anti-vaccine organization has ongoing litigation against several news agencies, including The Associated Press, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by attempting to identify misinformation, including that related to COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines. Although Kennedy is on leave from the organization, he is still named as an attorney in the lawsuit.
The role Kennedy might occupy if Trump is successful in the election is unclear. Kennedy disclosed to NewsNation that Trump had approached him with an offer to “reorganize” various agencies such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration, in addition to certain agencies under the Department of Agriculture.
Currently, Kennedy, previously an independent presidential candidate, is serving as one of Trump’s key campaign surrogates. Trump often acknowledges the support he has from Kennedy, who is a notable figure from a prominent Democratic family, being the son of Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy accompanied Trump in travels through Michigan and Wisconsin, speaking at his rallies.
Trump indicated on Saturday that he had communicated to Kennedy that while Kennedy had freedom to work on various issues, oil policy was off the table. Trump noted Kennedy’s interest in health policies across different demographics.
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