Donald Trump takes a dig at RFK Jr during Mar-a-Lago speech hours after tapping him for health secretary

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Donald Trump nominated Robert F Kennedy Jr to head the Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday, November 14.

However, after singing praises of his potential HHS secretary in a Truth Social post, the president-elect took a not-so-subtle jab at the former third-party presidential candidate during the America First Policy Institute Gala at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, as per The Independent.

Donald Trump throws a not-so-subtle jab at Robert F Kennedy Jr after nominating him to lead HHS

In front of a number of his new Cabinet recruits, including Matt Gaetz, Tulsi Gabbard, and Elon Musk, Donald Trump said, "There’s another great mind and great guy and so popular. And I think he’s right, he wants to make people healthy. It’s driven him pretty wild over the last number of years," referring to RFK Jr. 

"Today, I nominated him for, I guess, if you like health and if you like people that live a long time, it’s the most important position, RFK Jr," added the MAGA spearhead.

He went on to say, "I just looked at the news reports. People like you, Bobby. Don’t get too popular Bobby," addressing RFK Jr by his nickname.

Trump also poked fun at the Tesla CEO when it was revealed that the MAGA megadonor had been visiting Mar-a-Lago "nearly every day" since the election.

"He’s great, he happens to be a really good guy. You know, he likes this place. I can’t get him out of here," joked the president-elect. 

Trump spokesman Karoline Leavitt previously described RFK Jr as competent and said he would probably be joining the government.

In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote, "I am thrilled to announce Robert F Kennedy Jr. as The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health."

He added, "The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country."

"Mr Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!" proclaimed Trump. 

American Public Health Association would 'absolutely oppose' RFK Jr's nomination 

RFK Jr has a track record of disseminating health material that is deemed inaccurate by scientists. He will head a massive organization that would be in charge of everything from medical research and welfare initiatives to food safety if the Senate approves his candidacy.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) would "absolutely oppose" his nomination, according to the organization's executive director.

Vehemently criticizing RFK Jr's suitability for the position in a BBC Newsday interview on Friday, Georges C Benjamin said, "He is not competent by training, management skills, temperament or trust to have this job. He's just absolutely the wrong guy for it."

Benjamin cited the former presidential candidate's earlier remarks casting doubt on the effectiveness and safety of vaccines as well as the potential consequences of another epidemic occurring while he was president.

"We're going advocate as loudly and as often as we can to make sure that people know what a risk he is to the public and to the public's health," he added.

The anti-vaccine activist and conspiracy theorist has linked vaccinations to autism, argued that some prescription drugs might be the cause of mass shootings, and floated theories that Covid-19 may have been "engineered" to target particular races, as per OK! Magazine, 

MAGA supporters praise Donald Trump for his sense of humor

Donald Trump's sense of humor seemed to resonate with his supporters, with one writing, "This was great. Can’t believe I’m feeling… hope.. real actual hope."

Another said, "His ability to be comedic and introduce people is unlike anything I've ever seen," and a person added, "His sense of humor is something! RFK Jr is super popular, particularly with MAGA. I am so happy and grateful for this nomination!"

"Trump's comments are classic Trump—mixing flattery with a hint of sarcasm," remarked an individual. 

One more expressed, "Oh wow, Donald Trump just threw RFK Jr. a nomination bone! I guess if you want to live forever, you better listen to Bobby! But seriously, is he warning him not to get too popular? Sounds like a classic case of 'don’t steal my spotlight!'"

"This an incredibly authentic, gratifying moment. You feel the excitement from Trump and the gratitude. And after everything we have gone through as a nation since our food supply, our product supply chain, our medical institutions fell to corporate malfeasance and betrayal - it’s gonna be vindicated," expressed another person. 

They added, "We will begin to see the corruption exposed. We as a people are ready to end exploitation of our livelihoods and our health. MAHA."

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