Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed Donald Trump, suggesting that Trump’s health policy could include revisiting standards for chemicals and pesticides. However, former and current EPA staffers have spoken out against the agency’s actions under Trump, stating that there was pressure to approve new chemicals and remove regulations despite potential harms. Reports by the EPA’s Office of Inspector General found that some scientists were retaliated against for expressing differing scientific opinions.
Kennedy, known for advocating stricter regulations on chemicals, has criticized the Trump administration for failing to provide adequate oversight. Under Trump, the EPA withdrew a proposed ban on methylene chloride, a substance linked to numerous deaths. Kennedy has pushed for revisiting pesticide and other chemical standards if Trump wins, citing a study that lists banned pesticides in the EU still approved in the US.
Under Trump, the EPA was accused of pressuring scientists to approve hazardous chemicals and altering results to downplay risks. EPA officials stated that the agency had to evaluate all new chemicals under a 2016 amendment without additional funding. Some employees felt silenced, and dissenting opinions were penalized.
Despite Kennedy’s endorsement, it is uncertain what role he may play in a potential second Trump administration. Experts believe the EPA’s actions under a second Trump term would likely align with those of the first. Kennedy’s call for greater oversight conflicts with the EPA’s actions during the Trump era, signaling potential challenges in implementing his proposed “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
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