In a recent interview with NBC News, former President Donald Trump has shown tentative support for Robert Kennedy Jr.’s plan to remove fluoride from public water systems across the United States. When asked about Kennedy’s proposal, Trump responded, “Well, I haven’t talked to him about it yet, but it sounds OK to me.”
Kennedy, a former independent presidential candidate who endorsed Trump, has been a vocal critic of fluoridation, claiming it poses various health risks. On X (formerly Twitter), Kennedy stated that if Trump wins the upcoming election, his administration would immediately initiate the removal of fluoride from public water systems. He asserts that fluoride, an industrial by-product, contributes to health issues like arthritis, bone fractures, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advocates for fluoridation, citing its effectiveness in strengthening teeth and reducing cavities. The CDC considers fluoridation a significant public health achievement of the past century.
The relationship between Trump and Kennedy has taken a significant turn in recent months. Trump secured Kennedy’s endorsement in August and has since praised Kennedy’s presidential campaign and their shared values. In September, Kennedy revealed that Trump might appoint him to key positions in public health agencies if re-elected. In October, Trump pledged to give Kennedy full authority over health, food, and medicine issues if he secures a second term.
The potential removal of fluoride from public water systems is a highly controversial issue with strong arguments on both sides. While Trump’s tentative support for Kennedy’s plan raises concerns about its potential impact on public health, the extent of his commitment to this proposal remains unclear.
