Trump's Return Could Reshape Health Policy

Donald Trump's recent election victory is set to bring substantial changes to U.S. health policy, particularly with the potential appointment of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a prominent role in his administration. This could lead to significant shifts in public health regulations, with fears of increasing vaccine skepticism and erosion of trust in established science, particularly regarding issues like vaccination and fluoride in water. Trump has pledged to allow Kennedy to influence federal health agencies, which may undermine public health initiatives and consumer protections under the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, anticipated restrictions on abortion access, including potential bans on medication abortion distribution, are likely to be implemented. While Trump has stated that he won't seek to repeal the ACA outright, his administration may impose work requirements for Medicaid and cut funding for public health safety net programs, potentially increasing the uninsured rate. Public health experts warn that these changes could result in rising preventable illnesses and a general decline in public health confidence.