HEALTH AND HUMAN Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seems fond of the phrase “common sense.” In April, he insisted that autism is now an “epidemic” (a view not shared by most scientists who study autism), asserting that “it just takes a little common sense” to agree with him. At a White House event in May for a new report on children’s health — one subsequently criticized for multiple significant errors, including misrepresentation of study results — Kennedy said, “We’ve relied too much on conflicted research, ignored common sense, or what some would call ‘mother’s intuition.’” In June, he fired the 17 members of the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices, replacing them with eight allies he described as “committed to evidence-based medicine, gold-standard science, and common sense.”
The adage “follow the money” may apply.
Common sense is defined by Merriam-Webster as “sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts.” Often what in good faith seems to be “common sense” isn’t the right solution. Experience or new information can overturn accepted wisdom. Careful policymakers might advocate a solution to a societal problem that in practice has unintended negative outcomes. But Kennedy, a former environmental lawyer, is also a conspiracy theorist and anti-vaccine activist who picks and chooses among studies, scientists, and influencers. Perhaps he is a true believer in his social engineering schemes, but his consistent undermining and avoidance of rigorous expert review feels too convenient.
In May, Kennedy launched HHS’ multimillion-dollar “Take Back Your Health” public awareness campaign. The stated goal is to “inspire Americans to take back their health through eating real food.” Common sense might tell you Kennedy would advocate proven methods to increase the availability of fresh food for all Americans, especially those facing food scarcity. But the Trump administration cut programs that contracted with farmers to supply fresh produce and meat to food banks, and its big, ugly budget bill would cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program support to millions of people. Kennedy could use his position to fight for SNAP funding. Instead, he’s focused on banning artificial dyes and proposing changes that could eliminate access to Affordable Care Act health insurance for millions.
But his health campaign will promote “technology like wearables as cool, modern tools for measuring diet impact and taking control of your own health.” Here, the adage “follow the money” may apply. The U.S. wearable technology market value was almost $20 billion in 2023, and Kennedy has deep ties to health influencers and entrepreneurs. For example, Kennedy’s nominee for U.S. surgeon general is Casey Means, a “health-care entrepreneur” who sells a type of wearable device — continuous glucose monitors — as a wellness tool. Kennedy hired Means’ brother, lobbyist Calley Means, to focus on food policy as a “special government employee,” thus avoiding government conflict-of-interest restrictions. The Guardian reported that Calley Means “founded a company that helps Americans get such wearable devices reimbursed tax-free,” and because of his special status at HHS, didn’t have to divest from his personal business interests, which the “Take Back Your Health” campaign may very well benefit.
Is Kennedy driven by common sense or just dollars and cents?
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