RFK Jr said he would clear out entire departments in health care agencies in a bid to root out "corruption"

Former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming Trump administration, stated on Wednesday that “entire departments” within the FDA, such as its nutrition department, “have to go” due to inadequate performance.

“There are whole departments, like the nutrition department at the FDA … that need to be removed. They’re failing to protect our children,” Kennedy said in an MSNBC interview.

Kennedy had initially run for president as a Democrat, later switching to an independent candidacy, before endorsing President-elect Trump in August. Trump’s election victory puts Kennedy in a position to potentially influence healthcare policy in the new administration.

Kennedy recently mentioned that Trump had promised him a role in the White House if he won the election. “We’re working on a proposal now,” Kennedy shared in a separate interview with Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum, who asked if he would be taking the position of Health and Human Services Secretary.

While the role of HHS Secretary would require Senate confirmation, Kennedy’s path to confirmation remains uncertain. Although Republicans are projected to hold a majority of at least 52 seats, there’s speculation that Kennedy could instead be appointed to a position that doesn’t require Senate approval.