More than 75 Nobel laureates sent an open letter Monday expressing their opposition to Donald Trump’s intention to appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the health secretary, mainly because of his “lack of experience” and his anti-vaccination beliefs. .

“Given his history, placing Mr. Kennedy head of health department raises danger to public health”explained the 77 Nobel laureates in the fields of medicine, physics, chemistry and economics in their letter addressed to members of the federal Senate.

Among the signatories are Drew Wisemanwhich was awarded the Nobel prize in medicine in 2023 for his work in the development of so-called messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, which have made a decisive contribution to the fight against COVID-19.

Robert Kennedy the Younger, nephew of the assassinated US President John F. Kennedy, campaigned for a time as an independent candidate in the November presidential election before deciding to abandon the venture and rally in favor of Mr. Trump. The Republican rewarded him for his support by giving him a cabinet portfolio, but his appointment is subject to Senate approval, as required by the Constitution.

THE former lawyer specializing in environmental lawwith no scientific training or education, is known to have indulged in spreading various conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines, such as that there is a link between vaccination and autism, and has also called for an end to water fluoridation, even though it has considered a great success from a public health point of view, as it contributed in particular to the fight against dental caries and decay.

“Besides the lack of qualifications and relevant experience in the fields of medicine, science, public health and public administration, Mr. Kennedy was an opponent of many vaccines that restored health protection and saved lives, such as those against measles and polio.” the signatories point out.

“We strongly urge you to vote against confirming his appointment as health minister”the text concludes.

Several choices of Mr. Trump on the staffing of his government have caused strong reactions. Especially his intention to assign to Pete Hegsethformer military, Fox News anchor, the reins of the Ministry of Defense, despite accusations against him of sexual assault or excessive drinking.

The Republican who will re-take the US presidency on January 20 has already seen his first choice for the Department of Justice forced out, as Matt Gates, a former congressman, came under fire for having sex with a minor.