Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Disavows 2028 Presidential Run, Pledges Loyalty to Trump.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has denied plans to run for president in 2028, instead pledging loyalty to President Donald Trump. This declaration comes after speculation and criticism from right-wing commentator Laura Loomer. Kennedy also defended one of his aides, Stefanie Spear, from Loomer's attacks on her loyalty to Trump.

Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has clarified his political intentions, denying plans to run for president in 2028. Instead, he has pledged his loyalty to President Donald Trump. This declaration comes amidst speculation and criticism from right-wing commentator Laura Loomer, who had questioned Kennedy's allegiance to Trump. In response, Kennedy defended one of his aides, Stefanie Spear, from Loomer's attacks on her loyalty to Trump [1].

Kennedy's focus on his current role at HHS is notable given his recent actions that have stirred controversy within the healthcare sector. In his tenure, he has made significant changes to vaccine policies and oversight, including the revival of the Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines, which was dormant for nearly 30 years. This task force, led by Jay Bhattacharya of the National Institutes of Health, aims to develop and refine immunization guidelines for children across the country [2].

However, Kennedy's decisions have not been without criticism. His move to cancel 22 mRNA vaccine contracts worth $500 million under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has raised concerns. This decision, driven by his anti-vaccine stance, has been criticized for potentially delaying the development of life-saving vaccines and increasing the risk of infectious diseases [3].

The market's response to Kennedy's appointment and subsequent actions has been negative. Shares in global vaccine makers and drugmakers fell on Friday following the announcement, with vaccine makers being the worst hit. Moderna's MRNA.O shares fell 5%, while Pfizer PFE.N shed nearly 5%, and Novavax NVAX.O was 4% lower. Analysts at brokerage Jefferies pointed to an RFK Jr. interview on NBC in which he said he would not "take away" available vaccines but added that the overall prospects for biotech development ventures were seen as dimmed [3].

Kennedy's actions and declarations have significant implications for the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. The broader SPDR S&P Biotech ETF XBI.P was down nearly 3% in early U.S. trading, reflecting investor concerns about the potential impact of Kennedy's policies on the industry. Europe's healthcare sector .SXDP was also under pressure, down 2.2% at its lowest since April [3].

Despite the market's concerns, Kennedy has emphasized his commitment to rigorous science and continuous improvement in vaccine development. He stated that the Task Force on Safer Childhood Vaccines will work with the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines (ACCV) to produce vaccines with fewer and less serious adverse reactions [2].

In conclusion, Kennedy Jr.'s focus on his role at HHS and his denial of presidential ambitions signal a shift in his political trajectory. However, his actions and decisions continue to have significant impacts on the healthcare and biotech sectors, raising questions about the future of vaccine development and policy under his leadership.

References:
[1] https://www.biospace.com/policy/kennedy-revives-childhood-vaccines-safety-group-led-by-nihs-bhattacharya
[2] https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2025/08/15/opinion/saving-lives-no-more-rfk-risks-us-all-in-targeting-mrna-vaccine-research/
[3] https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/11/15/rfk-jr-health-job-pharma-stocks/76341822007/