Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans, described Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a significant achievement for public health. He said that it marks the end of corporate control over agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Swidler made these remarks to the Lake County Gazette on February 19.

"Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation as HHS secretary is a groundbreaking victory for the American people, finally holding the FDA and other corrupt health agencies accountable," said Swidler. "For too long, these organizations have put Big Pharma's profits over public health, but Kennedy is here to change that. His commitment to exposing harmful additives, reforming dietary guidelines, and tackling the chronic disease epidemic is exactly what this country needs. This is more than just a political win—it's the first real step toward making America healthy again and putting people before profit!"

Fox News reported that Kennedy was confirmed in a 52-48 vote along party lines on February 13. During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy committed to basing policies on scientific evidence and improving public access to health information. He emphasized the importance of addressing chronic diseases, stating, "Our country is not going to be destroyed because we get the marginal tax rate wrong. It is going to be destroyed if we get this issue wrong, and I am in a unique position to be able to stop this epidemic."

According to Politico, Kennedy plans to overhaul nutrition and health programs, scrutinize food additives, and eliminate financial conflicts of interest. His confirmation indicates a shift among Republicans who were previously aligned with the healthcare industry. Kennedy had previously criticized chronic disease and environmental chemicals during his presidential campaign before endorsing Trump. He will assume his role with assistance from Elon Musk and the DOGE commission.

Swidler, a resident of Buffalo Grove, was first elected as Chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans in 2024. The organization's website states that he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to Vernon Township voters."