A measles outbreak has worsened in the United States, health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has urged for a vaccination but has called it a personal choice.

Texas: Health Secretary RFK Jr warns about measles outbreak

<p>The Trump administration on Friday (Feb 14) dismissed nearly half of the elite Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), a storied unit of epidemiologists known as the nation's "disease detectives."&nbsp;</p>
<p>The move, which comes as bird flu fears intensify, has sparked alarm among health experts, who say they're "so angry" by the move.</p>
<h2><strong>Trump firings &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></h2>
<p>The mass layoffs are part of broader efforts by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to downsize federal agencies and come as newly confirmed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vowed a sweeping overhaul of national health institutions.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-f-kennedy-jr-sworn-in-as-us-health-and-human-services-chief-8720034">Robert F. Kennedy Jr sworn in as US Health and Human Services chief</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>'I'm so angry' &mdash; CDC insiders sound the alarm</strong></h2>
<p>Speaking to AFP, a senior epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said, "I'm so angry".</p>
<p>The senior staff member cautioned, "We're on the verge of potentially another pandemic and we're firing the people who have probably more expertise than anyone else in the country collectively".</p>
<p>The layoffs, first reported by CBS News, reportedly mainly target employees still within their probationary period, a window in which federal workers can be dismissed more easily. In total, nearly 1,300 CDC employees&mdash;roughly 10 per cent of the agency's workforce&mdash;were let go. &nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-create-nato-in-ukraine-zelensky-on-nato-ambitions-trumps-personal-number-and-more-8722093">&lsquo;We will create NATO in Ukraine&rsquo;: Zelensky on NATO ambitions, Trump&rsquo;s personal number, and more</a></strong></p>
<h2><strong>Who are 'disease detectives'?</strong></h2>
<p>'Disease detectives' is the name given to epidemiologists of the elite Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS).</p>
<p>Founded in 1951, the EIS has been on the frontlines of major outbreaks, from smallpox eradication efforts to the first Ebola cases in Africa and the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officers, recruited through a rigorous selection process, consist of doctors, nurses, scientists and more. Some of them are stationed at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, others are deployed across the country.</p>
<p>Several CDC chiefs have begun their careers as part of the elite EIS.</p>
<p>The 2024 EIS class was informed on Friday that termination emails would be sent that afternoon. The 2023 class remains under review. There are around 140 officers across both classes.</p>
<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-modi-bromance-in-focus-as-us-president-gifts-indian-pm-this-sentimental-present-8719422">Trump-Modi 'bromance' in focus as US President gifts Indian PM THIS sentimental present</a></strong></p>
<p>Around 30 officers, of both classes, were hired via the US Public Health Service, and are currently unaffected, reports AFP.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Without those officers we would not have eliminated smallpox from the globe," the CDC epidemiologist said. "We had people fanning across countries, wading through mud and navigating rivers on boats to eliminate smallpox." &nbsp;</p>
<p>This comes as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was formally appointed the Health Secretary on Friday. RFK Jr has long been vocal about his distrust of infectious disease research. He recently suggested pausing such studies for eight years to prioritise chronic conditions instead. Kennedy has also questioned widely accepted medical science, challenging the role of germs in disease transmission and disputing the link between HIV and AIDS.</p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

World news | The Trump administration's decision to dismiss nearly half of the Epidemic Intelligence Service raises serious concerns among health experts as bird flu fears grow.

The Trump administration on Friday (Feb 14) dismissed nearly half of the elite Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS), a storied unit of epidemiologists known as the nation's "disease detectives." The move, which comes as bird flu fears intensify, has sparked alarm among health experts, who say they're "so angry" by the move. Trump firings The mass layoffs are part of broader efforts by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to downsize federal agencies and come as newly confirmed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vowed a sweeping overhaul of national health institutions. Also read | Robert F. Kennedy Jr sworn in as US Health and Human Services chief 'I'm so angry' — CDC insiders sound the alarm Speaking to AFP, a senior epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said, "I'm so angry". The senior staff member cautioned, "We're on the verge of potentially another pandemic and we're firing the people who have probably more expertise than anyone else in the country collectively". The layoffs, first reported by CBS News, reportedly mainly target employees still within their probationary period, a window in which federal workers can be dismissed more easily. In total, nearly 1,300 CDC employees—roughly 10 per cent of the agency's workforce—were let go. Also read | ‘We will create NATO in Ukraine’: Zelensky on NATO ambitions, Trump’s personal number, and more Who are 'disease detectives'? 'Disease detectives' is the name given to epidemiologists of the elite Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS). Founded in 1951, the EIS has been on the frontlines of major outbreaks, from smallpox eradication efforts to the first Ebola cases in Africa and the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officers, recruited through a rigorous selection process, consist of doctors, nurses, scientists and more. Some of them are stationed at CDC headquarters in Atlanta, others are deployed across the country. Several CDC chiefs have begun their careers as part of the elite EIS. The 2024 EIS class was informed on Friday that termination emails would be sent that afternoon. The 2023 class remains under review. There are around 140 officers across both classes. Also read | Trump-Modi 'bromance' in focus as US President gifts Indian PM THIS sentimental present Around 30 officers, of both classes, were hired via the US Public Health Service, and are currently unaffected, reports AFP. "Without those officers we would not have eliminated smallpox from the globe," the CDC epidemiologist said. "We had people fanning across countries, wading through mud and navigating rivers on boats to eliminate smallpox." This comes as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was formally appointed the Health Secretary on Friday. RFK Jr has long been vocal about his distrust of infectious disease research. He recently suggested pausing such studies for eight years to prioritise chronic conditions instead. Kennedy has also questioned widely accepted medical science, challenging the role of germs in disease transmission and disputing the link between HIV and AIDS. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump administration dismisses nearly half of 'disease detectives' even as bird flu concerns rise

The US Senate panels have advanced the nominations of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard despite controversy surrounding their appointments. Kennedy Jr. is President Trump's pick for Health Secretary, while Gabbard has been nominated to lead National Intelligence. Their nominations will now go forward before the full Senate for confirmation. Watch in for more details!

US: RFK JR & Tulsi Gabbard one step closer to confirmation

US: Senate committee advances RFK JR and Tulsi Gabbard's nominations

<p>US President-elect Donald Trump has started his transition ahead of taking the oath of office in January 2025. From the names he suggested for cabinet and other key positions in the White House, it is clear that his second non-consecutive term will try to settle political scores while ensuring protection from court cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Based on the profiles of Team Trump, here is an analysis of how different aspects of government will be impacted, from global wars to domestic security.</p>

<p>Note: This time, most of Trump's nominees will eventually get the jobs, as the Senate and House of Represenatives are also Republican-controlled after the November 5 general election. Only the most controversial nominations might get stuck at committee level in House and Senate. But this article assumes all the names would be final.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH- Trump's Cabinet: Congressman Matt Gaetz Named As Attorney General</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ENDING WARS IN UKRAINE AND WEST ASIA</strong></h2>

<p>Trump had often claimed during the re-election campaign that he is the only one who can end the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and prevent World War 3. The time has come for him to deliver.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has picked Marco Rubio to lead the State Department. As secretary of state, the Florida Senator will lead efforts to de-escalate the situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump also chose Mike Huckabee, a staunch defender of Israel, as the US ambassador to the Jewish nation, which is engaged in a multi-front war with terror groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel is also fighting Iran and its proxies like Houthi rebels in Yemen, and other militants in Iraq and Syria. The choice of Huckabee is a clear indication that ultimately, the US will favour Israel's views on ending the conflict.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tulsi-gabbard-newly-elected-trumps-spy-chief-served-in-us-military-for-over-two-decades-776235">Also read: Tulsi Gabbard, newly-appointed Trump's spy chief, served in US military for over two decades</a></strong></p>

<p>But can he really end the war? Trump is averse to the US being dragged into foreign wars, and particularly opposed to paying for them. Also remember that he was the architect of the Abram Accords, the agreements of peace and cooperation between Israel and several of its enemy Arab states. It is quite possible that Trump and his team would be able to start negotiations that could end the war in the Middle East.</p>

<p>The US efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war are going to be skewed in favour of Russia, with Trump having a direct line with Russian President Vladimir Putin for a long time. Trump had been dismissive and critical about Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him the 'greatest salesman'. Don't forget that Trump's first impeachment in 2019 came as a result of his blocking of aid to Ukraine (to force it to investigate the current President Joe Biden).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The efforts at the United Nations to end the Ukraine war will be led by Trump nominee for US envoy, Elise Stefanik.</p>

<p>Any move by Trump to end the war in a way that could favour Russia would again put him at odds with NATO, which has been helping Ukraine with funds and arms to fight Russia, along with the Biden administration. Trump, in his first term, had wanted the US to cut its contributions to NATO, and pressured its other members from Europe to pay up and level the field on financial contributions to the western military alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>TRUMP'S LEGAL CASES: SHAKING UP THE JUDICIARY AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Trump wants to protect himself from conviction and sentencing in the ongoing legal battles, and will try to wind up all of them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The cases deal with the 2020 election interference and the 2021 Capitol Hill riot, tax evasion, handling of classified documents, and the Stormy Daniels hush money payment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump will ensure that presidential immunity is intact, and take more efforts to protect himself from future prosecution once he leaves office.</p>

<p>Trump's picks for key posts in the Justice Department are a clear indication of his intentions. He named Matt Gaetz as the attorney general, thus giving the country's top prosecutor role to a staunch ally. One of the things Trump said Gaetz would do is 'end weaponised government', code for what his surrogates call 'lawfare' against political opponents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More interesting is his pick of Todd Blanche as deputy attorney general. Blanche was a defence lawyer for several of Trump's court cases.</p>

<p>Many of Trump's cases are being heard in New York courts. Keeping that in mind, he has appointed Jay Clayton, a loyalist, as the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, a very powerful post within the justice department.</p>

<h2><strong>THE BORDER, IMMIGRATION AND HOMELAND SECURITY</strong></h2>

<p>Trump made no secret of his hatred for immigrants trying to enter the US from the southern border. He started building a wall in his first term and will continue to strengthen efforts to prevent individuals and caravans from entering or getting asylum in the US. His homeland security secretary pick, Kristi Noem, is going to play a key role in implementing this.</p>

<p>Trump has once said that he would be a dictator 'may be on the first day', and ordering the deportation of illegal migrants could be one of the things he would do on day one or first week in office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For this, he has appointed Tom Homan as the border czar who once promised to carry out the largest mass deportation ever by the US.<br />
Homan comes with significant experience, having led the immigration and customs enforcement in the first Trump administration.</p>

<h2><strong>SHAKING UP THE INTELLIGENCE ESTABLISHMENT</strong></h2>

<p>Trump has been a target of several investigations led by the intelligence establishment, or what he calls the deep state, particularly the classified documents investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. There is even talk that he will clip the wings of FBI with funding cuts. In broader terms, Trump has promised to dismantle the deep state, a reference mainly to the government-intelligence cooperation that led to what he calls a 'witchhunt' during and after his first term in office.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-20-tulsi-gabbard-nominated-to-head-us-intelligence-matt-gaetz-to-lead-justice-department-775994">Also read: Trump 2.0: Tulsi Gabbard nominated to head US Intelligence, Matt Gaetz to lead Justice Department</a></strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>Leading the charge would be Tulsi Gabbard, who Trump named as director of national intelligence. Trump also brought back his former DNI John Ratcliffe as the director of Central Intelligence Agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is speculation that Trump would shake up FBI, with a leadership change and reorganisation of its structure. In his view, the agency was used by Biden administration as a tool to prosecute him.</p>

<h2><strong>FUTURE OF AMERICA AT WAR: DEFENCE AND SOLDIERS</strong></h2>

<p>Trump has exhibited strong support for American soldiers and veterans, who in turn backed him in large numbers. His opposition to foreign wars is part economic rationale and part isolationalist approach to global security affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump does not want to send American boots to the ground, and had started the process of US troop withrdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan when he left office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He might find an ally in his new defence secretary nominee Peter Hegseth, who has seen wars first hand. Hegseth was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011. Having had no strategic or decision making role in military or national securty affairs, his approach is likely to be more grassroots, with an ear for the concerns of the American soldier than the larger goal of global policing.</p>

<p>This might erode the traditional role of America as the pre-eminent global power the international community looks up to intervene in and resolve conflicts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Will the US want to give strategic space to Russia and rising China in this regard? That's an open question for now. Remember, however, that Trump had cooperated with Russia in helping eliminate the Islamic State terror group in the Middle East.</p>

<p>Trump has nominated the controversial Flordia Congressman Mike Waltz as the national security advisor. The former Army Green Beret is a war veteran of Afghanistan and worked as policy advisor to Republican administrations.</p>

<p>Waltz' appointment is also significant in the context of China, a country Trump might want to keep in check. Waltz has been critical of China on various issues like the mistreatment of the Uighur Muslims. He was also an advocate of the theory that the Covid pandemic originated in a Chinese lab.</p>

<h2><strong>GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND WASTE: WILL ELON MUSK CHANGE THINGS?</strong></h2>

<p>The appointment of the world's richest man Elon Musk, and Trump challenger-turned ally Vivek Ramaswamy to run a new agency of government efficiency is signficant. Trump wants to protect the upper middle class and the rich from taxes, while reducing government spending, and soverign debt. Musk has promised a trillion-dollar cut in government waste. Trump's Repubican base advocates least amount of goverment invervention in their lives. It would be interesting to see how much waste he is able to cut.</p>

<h2><strong>ENVIRONMENT: BACK TO FOSSIL FUELS AND POLLUTING VEHICLES?</strong></h2>

<p>Trump has been an ally of the fossil fuel lobby, having taken the US out of the Paris Accord to tackle climate change during his first term. Trump said he would 'drill baby, drill' to bring back America's very old dominance as the top oil producer. This will practically end the commitments to environmental causes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For this he has roped in Lee Zeldin, who has no practical experience in the field, to run the environmental protection agency. Zeldin promised to 'restore US energy dominance', meaning back to drilling untapped reserves of petroleum in US and its territorial waters. He also promised, as did Trump, to 'revitalise the auto industry'.</p>

<p>Both these policies appeal to the rust belt America, which is looking forward to a windfall of jobs in the auto and oil sectors.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>HEALTHCARE: WILL BIG PHARMA FACE THE MUSIC?</strong></h2>

<p>At the fag end of his first term, Trump and his allies amplified Covid conspiracy theories as the pandemic hit the US. It might even be argued that Covid was a cause of Trump's defeat in the 2020 election. Now, he has appointed as health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, the former Democrat who had openly opposed the Covid vaccination mandate. Will he reopen the Covid files and investigate America's response to it is one question. The other is whether he will take on Big Pharma, which made billions of dollars of profit during the Covid pandemic, particularly through their Covid vaccines.</p>

<h2><strong>BUT WHO CAN BLOCK TRUMP?</strong></h2>

<p>Roughly half of Senate and the full House of Representatives went into election along with the presidential election on November 5. Senate term is for six years and the House of Representatives' term is two years. This means there will be mid-term elections, and the Congress composition could change in next couple of years in favour of Democrats who can then block Trump's legislative agenda.</p>

<p>This acts as a check and balance system offering legislature's oversight on presidential actions, as much of it (except perhaps presidential orders) will need Congressional approval.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Democrat-chaired committees in the Senate and House could also put a spanner in the works on Trump policies. The other major check mechanism is the Supreme Court, whose nine judges these days have clear political leanings. Currently, the bench has a Conservative tilt, and Trump will get the opportunity to name more judges. Remember that Supreme Court judges can serve till death, and their rulings can impact a generation.</p>

<p>Then there is the media, the fourth pillar of democracy. Besides the Democrats, much of US media is likely to serve as the Opposition. We can expect dirt to be digged up on all his nominees before, during or after they assume office.</p>


US President-elect Donald Trump has started his transition ahead of taking the oath of office in January 2025. From the names he suggested for cabinet and other key positions in the White House, it is clear that his second non-consecutive term will try to settle political scores while ensuring protection from court cases.

US President-elect Donald Trump has started his transition ahead of taking the oath of office in January 2025. From the names he suggested for cabinet and other key positions in the White House, it is clear that his second non-consecutive term will try to settle political scores while ensuring protection from court cases. Based on the profiles of Team Trump, here is an analysis of how different aspects of government will be impacted, from global wars to domestic security. Note: This time, most of Trump's nominees will eventually get the jobs, as the Senate and House of Represenatives are also Republican-controlled after the November 5 general election. Only the most controversial nominations might get stuck at committee level in House and Senate. But this article assumes all the names would be final. WATCH- Trump's Cabinet: Congressman Matt Gaetz Named As Attorney General × ENDING WARS IN UKRAINE AND WEST ASIA Trump had often claimed during the re-election campaign that he is the only one who can end the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, and prevent World War 3. The time has come for him to deliver. He has picked Marco Rubio to lead the State Department. As secretary of state, the Florida Senator will lead efforts to de-escalate the situation. Trump also chose Mike Huckabee, a staunch defender of Israel, as the US ambassador to the Jewish nation, which is engaged in a multi-front war with terror groups Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel is also fighting Iran and its proxies like Houthi rebels in Yemen, and other militants in Iraq and Syria. The choice of Huckabee is a clear indication that ultimately, the US will favour Israel's views on ending the conflict. Also read: Tulsi Gabbard, newly-appointed Trump's spy chief, served in US military for over two decades But can he really end the war? Trump is averse to the US being dragged into foreign wars, and particularly opposed to paying for them. Also remember that he was the architect of the Abram Accords, the agreements of peace and cooperation between Israel and several of its enemy Arab states. It is quite possible that Trump and his team would be able to start negotiations that could end the war in the Middle East. The US efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war are going to be skewed in favour of Russia, with Trump having a direct line with Russian President Vladimir Putin for a long time. Trump had been dismissive and critical about Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him the 'greatest salesman'. Don't forget that Trump's first impeachment in 2019 came as a result of his blocking of aid to Ukraine (to force it to investigate the current President Joe Biden). The efforts at the United Nations to end the Ukraine war will be led by Trump nominee for US envoy, Elise Stefanik. Any move by Trump to end the war in a way that could favour Russia would again put him at odds with NATO, which has been helping Ukraine with funds and arms to fight Russia, along with the Biden administration. Trump, in his first term, had wanted the US to cut its contributions to NATO, and pressured its other members from Europe to pay up and level the field on financial contributions to the western military alliance. TRUMP'S LEGAL CASES: SHAKING UP THE JUDICIARY AND DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Trump wants to protect himself from conviction and sentencing in the ongoing legal battles, and will try to wind up all of them. The cases deal with the 2020 election interference and the 2021 Capitol Hill riot, tax evasion, handling of classified documents, and the Stormy Daniels hush money payment. Trump will ensure that presidential immunity is intact, and take more efforts to protect himself from future prosecution once he leaves office. Trump's picks for key posts in the Justice Department are a clear indication of his intentions. He named Matt Gaetz as the attorney general, thus giving the country's top prosecutor role to a staunch ally. One of the things Trump said Gaetz would do is 'end weaponised government', code for what his surrogates call 'lawfare' against political opponents. More interesting is his pick of Todd Blanche as deputy attorney general. Blanche was a defence lawyer for several of Trump's court cases. Many of Trump's cases are being heard in New York courts. Keeping that in mind, he has appointed Jay Clayton, a loyalist, as the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, a very powerful post within the justice department. THE BORDER, IMMIGRATION AND HOMELAND SECURITY Trump made no secret of his hatred for immigrants trying to enter the US from the southern border. He started building a wall in his first term and will continue to strengthen efforts to prevent individuals and caravans from entering or getting asylum in the US. His homeland security secretary pick, Kristi Noem, is going to play a key role in implementing this. Trump has once said that he would be a dictator 'may be on the first day', and ordering the deportation of illegal migrants could be one of the things he would do on day one or first week in office. For this, he has appointed Tom Homan as the border czar who once promised to carry out the largest mass deportation ever by the US. Homan comes with significant experience, having led the immigration and customs enforcement in the first Trump administration. SHAKING UP THE INTELLIGENCE ESTABLISHMENT Trump has been a target of several investigations led by the intelligence establishment, or what he calls the deep state, particularly the classified documents investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. There is even talk that he will clip the wings of FBI with funding cuts. In broader terms, Trump has promised to dismantle the deep state, a reference mainly to the government-intelligence cooperation that led to what he calls a 'witchhunt' during and after his first term in office. Also read: Trump 2.0: Tulsi Gabbard nominated to head US Intelligence, Matt Gaetz to lead Justice Department Leading the charge would be Tulsi Gabbard, who Trump named as director of national intelligence. Trump also brought back his former DNI John Ratcliffe as the director of Central Intelligence Agency. There is speculation that Trump would shake up FBI, with a leadership change and reorganisation of its structure. In his view, the agency was used by Biden administration as a tool to prosecute him. FUTURE OF AMERICA AT WAR: DEFENCE AND SOLDIERS Trump has exhibited strong support for American soldiers and veterans, who in turn backed him in large numbers. His opposition to foreign wars is part economic rationale and part isolationalist approach to global security affairs. Trump does not want to send American boots to the ground, and had started the process of US troop withrdrawals from Iraq and Afghanistan when he left office. He might find an ally in his new defence secretary nominee Peter Hegseth, who has seen wars first hand. Hegseth was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011. Having had no strategic or decision making role in military or national securty affairs, his approach is likely to be more grassroots, with an ear for the concerns of the American soldier than the larger goal of global policing. This might erode the traditional role of America as the pre-eminent global power the international community looks up to intervene in and resolve conflicts. Will the US want to give strategic space to Russia and rising China in this regard? That's an open question for now. Remember, however, that Trump had cooperated with Russia in helping eliminate the Islamic State terror group in the Middle East. Trump has nominated the controversial Flordia Congressman Mike Waltz as the national security advisor. The former Army Green Beret is a war veteran of Afghanistan and worked as policy advisor to Republican administrations. Waltz' appointment is also significant in the context of China, a country Trump might want to keep in check. Waltz has been critical of China on various issues like the mistreatment of the Uighur Muslims. He was also an advocate of the theory that the Covid pandemic originated in a Chinese lab. GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND WASTE: WILL ELON MUSK CHANGE THINGS? The appointment of the world's richest man Elon Musk, and Trump challenger-turned ally Vivek Ramaswamy to run a new agency of government efficiency is signficant. Trump wants to protect the upper middle class and the rich from taxes, while reducing government spending, and soverign debt. Musk has promised a trillion-dollar cut in government waste. Trump's Repubican base advocates least amount of goverment invervention in their lives. It would be interesting to see how much waste he is able to cut. ENVIRONMENT: BACK TO FOSSIL FUELS AND POLLUTING VEHICLES? Trump has been an ally of the fossil fuel lobby, having taken the US out of the Paris Accord to tackle climate change during his first term. Trump said he would 'drill baby, drill' to bring back America's very old dominance as the top oil producer. This will practically end the commitments to environmental causes. For this he has roped in Lee Zeldin, who has no practical experience in the field, to run the environmental protection agency. Zeldin promised to 'restore US energy dominance', meaning back to drilling untapped reserves of petroleum in US and its territorial waters. He also promised, as did Trump, to 'revitalise the auto industry'. Both these policies appeal to the rust belt America, which is looking forward to a windfall of jobs in the auto and oil sectors. HEALTHCARE: WILL BIG PHARMA FACE THE MUSIC? At the fag end of his first term, Trump and his allies amplified Covid conspiracy theories as the pandemic hit the US. It might even be argued that Covid was a cause of Trump's defeat in the 2020 election. Now, he has appointed as health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, the former Democrat who had openly opposed the Covid vaccination mandate. Will he reopen the Covid files and investigate America's response to it is one question. The other is whether he will take on Big Pharma, which made billions of dollars of profit during the Covid pandemic, particularly through their Covid vaccines. BUT WHO CAN BLOCK TRUMP? Roughly half of Senate and the full House of Representatives went into election along with the presidential election on November 5. Senate term is for six years and the House of Representatives' term is two years. This means there will be mid-term elections, and the Congress composition could change in next couple of years in favour of Democrats who can then block Trump's legislative agenda. This acts as a check and balance system offering legislature's oversight on presidential actions, as much of it (except perhaps presidential orders) will need Congressional approval. Democrat-chaired committees in the Senate and House could also put a spanner in the works on Trump policies. The other major check mechanism is the Supreme Court, whose nine judges these days have clear political leanings. Currently, the bench has a Conservative tilt, and Trump will get the opportunity to name more judges. Remember that Supreme Court judges can serve till death, and their rulings can impact a generation. Then there is the media, the fourth pillar of democracy. Besides the Democrats, much of US media is likely to serve as the Opposition. We can expect dirt to be digged up on all his nominees before, during or after they assume office.

Trump 2.0: What will his 'revenge cabinet' do to the US and world? Who can stop him?

During her visit to a semiconductor factory, Vice President Kamala Harris emphasized the importance of American jobs and the administration's commitment to boosting domestic manufacturing. Highlighting the role of the semiconductor industry in driving innovation and economic growth, she underscored efforts to create jobs and strengthen the U.S. economy ahead of the 2024 elections.

US Elections 2024: Harris Touts American Jobs In Visit To Semiconductor Factory

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1701}">Elon Musk and former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have sparked controversy online, claiming that Vice President Kamala Harris would want to "shut down" X (formerly Twitter) if it fails to comply with government oversight.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1771}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:315,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1771}">What evidence do they have?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:130,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1816}">The two men shared a clip from a 2019 CNN interview with Harris where&nbsp;she criticised social media&nbsp;platforms for "directly speaking to millions and millions of people without any level of oversight and regulation," a practice she said "has to stop."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:197,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1883}">Kennedy, sharing his interpretation of the remark from the five-year-old interview, wrote: "Translation: If they don't police content to conform to government-approved narratives, they will be shut down."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kamala Harris: "He [Musk] has lost his privileges."<br />
Can someone please explain to her that freedom of speech is a RIGHT, not a "privilege"?<br />
<br />
Kamala Harris: "There has to be a responsibility placed on these social media sites to understand their power."<br />
Translation: "If they… <a href="https://t.co/BzuTYoJjuV">https://t.co/BzuTYoJjuV</a></p>
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1830745926861758712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:742,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2428}">Musk backed Kennedy's claim, alleging that Harris and the Democratic Party were aiming to undermine free speech. He stated that "free speech is the bedrock of democracy," and accused Harris of merely acting as a puppet for the party's agenda.</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:809,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:190,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2495}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:116,&quot;y&quot;:820,&quot;w&quot;:505,&quot;h&quot;:169,&quot;abs_x&quot;:149,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2506}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:121,&quot;y&quot;:820,&quot;w&quot;:495,&quot;h&quot;:169,&quot;abs_x&quot;:154,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2506}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:182,&quot;y&quot;:858,&quot;w&quot;:409,&quot;h&quot;:76,&quot;abs_x&quot;:215,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2544}" dir="ltr" lang="en">This is what she actually believes.<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:492,&quot;y&quot;:858,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:525,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2544}" />
<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:387,&quot;y&quot;:874,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:420,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2560}" />
Free speech is the bedrock of democracy and the Democratic Party (Kamala is just a puppet) wants to destroy it. <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:317,&quot;y&quot;:920,&quot;w&quot;:140,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:350,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2606}" href="https://t.co/kntGcq2WnK">https://t.co/kntGcq2WnK</a></p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:417,&quot;y&quot;:948,&quot;w&quot;:110,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:450,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2634}" href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1830827486894030900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:710,&quot;y&quot;:810,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:743,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2496}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-blocks-donald-trumps-appeal-to-intervene-in-hush-money-conviction-755758">US Judge blocks Donald Trump’s appeal to intervene in hush money conviction</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:250,&quot;w&quot;:335,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1936}">What did Harris say back then?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:295,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1981}">In the 2019 interview, Harris called for the shutdown of Trump's Twitter account because of its influence on society, including its role in spreading harmful narratives.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:345,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2031}">Citing the El Paso shooter’s manifesto as an example, she argued that Trump's rhetoric had real-world consequences.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:394,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2080}">"When you're talking about Donald Trump, he has 65 million Twitter followers, he has proven himself to be willing to obstruct justice – just ask Bob Mueller. You can look at the manifesto from the shooter in El Paso to know that what Donald Trump says on Twitter impacts peoples' perceptions about what they should and should not do," she said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:479,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2165}">She then said Trump's account "should be taken down" for violating the site's terms of service.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:511,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2197}">Harris also spoke of regulating social media platforms so that the words of popular figures like Trump can't become a bad influence on millions of users.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:561,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2247}">"And the bottom line is that you can’t say that you have one rule for Facebook and you have a different rule for Twitter. The same rule has to apply, which is that there has to be a responsibility that is placed on these social media sites to understand their power," she said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:561,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2247}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/character-issue-federal-judge-orders-trump-to-stop-using-isaac-hayes-music-for-campaigning-755674">'Character issue': Federal judge orders Trump to stop using Isaac Hayes' music for campaigning</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:628,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2314}">"They are speaking to millions of people without any level of oversight or regulation. And that has to stop," added Harris.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:677,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2363}">However, Kennedy misinterpreted Harris' comments, suggesting she was looking to destroy free speech.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:710,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2396}">"Can someone please explain to her that freedom of speech is a RIGHT, not a 'privilege'?" he wrote.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:742,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2428}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1015,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2701}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Elon Musk and former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have sparked controversy online, claiming that Vice President Kamala Harris would want to "shut down" X (formerly Twitter) if it fails to comply with government oversight.

Elon Musk and former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have sparked controversy online, claiming that Vice President Kamala Harris would want to "shut down" X (formerly Twitter) if it fails to comply with government oversight. What evidence do they have? The two men shared a clip from a 2019 CNN interview with Harris where she criticised social media platforms for "directly speaking to millions and millions of people without any level of oversight and regulation," a practice she said "has to stop." Kennedy, sharing his interpretation of the remark from the five-year-old interview, wrote: "Translation: If they don't police content to conform to government-approved narratives, they will be shut down." Kamala Harris: "He [Musk] has lost his privileges." Can someone please explain to her that freedom of speech is a RIGHT, not a "privilege"? Kamala Harris: "There has to be a responsibility placed on these social media sites to understand their power." Translation: "If they… https://t.co/BzuTYoJjuV — Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) September 2, 2024 × Musk backed Kennedy's claim, alleging that Harris and the Democratic Party were aiming to undermine free speech. He stated that "free speech is the bedrock of democracy," and accused Harris of merely acting as a puppet for the party's agenda. This is what she actually believes. Free speech is the bedrock of democracy and the Democratic Party (Kamala is just a puppet) wants to destroy it. https://t.co/kntGcq2WnK — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 3, 2024 × Also read | US Judge blocks Donald Trump’s appeal to intervene in hush money conviction What did Harris say back then? In the 2019 interview, Harris called for the shutdown of Trump's Twitter account because of its influence on society, including its role in spreading harmful narratives. Citing the El Paso shooter’s manifesto as an example, she argued that Trump's rhetoric had real-world consequences. "When you're talking about Donald Trump, he has 65 million Twitter followers, he has proven himself to be willing to obstruct justice – just ask Bob Mueller. You can look at the manifesto from the shooter in El Paso to know that what Donald Trump says on Twitter impacts peoples' perceptions about what they should and should not do," she said. She then said Trump's account "should be taken down" for violating the site's terms of service. Harris also spoke of regulating social media platforms so that the words of popular figures like Trump can't become a bad influence on millions of users. "And the bottom line is that you can’t say that you have one rule for Facebook and you have a different rule for Twitter. The same rule has to apply, which is that there has to be a responsibility that is placed on these social media sites to understand their power," she said. Also read | 'Character issue': Federal judge orders Trump to stop using Isaac Hayes' music for campaigning "They are speaking to millions of people without any level of oversight or regulation. And that has to stop," added Harris. However, Kennedy misinterpreted Harris' comments, suggesting she was looking to destroy free speech. "Can someone please explain to her that freedom of speech is a RIGHT, not a 'privilege'?" he wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Fact check: Does Kamala Harris want to shut down X? Elon Musk, Robert F Kennedy Jr claim so

<p>Robert F. Kennedy Jr.&nbsp;endorsed Donald Trump, adding a new layer of uncertainty to the race for the White House.</p>

<p>In other news,&nbsp;Three people were killed and at least five others were injured in a knife attack at a festival in western Germany.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the links to read more...</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-f-kennedy-jr-ends-white-house-bid-endorses-trump-752860">Robert F. Kennedy Jr ends White House bid, endorses Trump</a></p>

<p>Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticised the decision to appoint Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee without holding a primary contest.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/08/24/451155-untitled-design-73.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-killed-at-least-five-injured-in-knife-attack-at-festival-in-germany-752842">Three killed, at least five injured in knife attack at festival in Germany</a></p>

<p>Three people were killed and at least five others were injured in a knife attack in western Germany on Friday (Aug 23).&nbsp;The attack happened in the city of Solingen where the "Festival of Diversity" was being celebrated.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/08/24/451141-untitled-design.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-case-of-type-2-polio-in-25-years-paralyzes-baby-in-gaza-who-reports-752844">First case of type 2 polio in 25 years paralyses baby in Gaza, WHO reports</a></p>

<p>A 10-month-old baby has been paralysed by the type 2 polio virus in Gaza, the first such case in the territory in 25 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/14/431216-gazawarhamas.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/starliner-crew-faces-fresh-trouble-this-time-involving-spacesuits-752850">Starliner crew faces fresh trouble, this time involving spacesuits</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/08/08/448129-untitled-design-2024-08-08t083207423.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Another problem has emerged, this time with their spacesuits. In case a problem happens on the International Space Station (ISS) sometime in the next six weeks, Williams and Wilmore won't have the safety of their in-flight spacesuits while fleeing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH: PM Modi's diplomatic outreach: Balancing interests between Moscow, Kyiv</strong></p>

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed Donald Trump, adding a new layer of uncertainty to the race for the White House. In other news, Three people were killed and at least five others were injured in a knife attack at a festival in western Germany.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed Donald Trump, adding a new layer of uncertainty to the race for the White House. In other news, Three people were killed and at least five others were injured in a knife attack at a festival in western Germany. Click on the links to read more... Robert F. Kennedy Jr ends White House bid, endorses Trump Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticised the decision to appoint Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee without holding a primary contest. Three killed, at least five injured in knife attack at festival in Germany Three people were killed and at least five others were injured in a knife attack in western Germany on Friday (Aug 23). The attack happened in the city of Solingen where the "Festival of Diversity" was being celebrated. First case of type 2 polio in 25 years paralyses baby in Gaza, WHO reports A 10-month-old baby has been paralysed by the type 2 polio virus in Gaza, the first such case in the territory in 25 years, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. Starliner crew faces fresh trouble, this time involving spacesuits Another problem has emerged, this time with their spacesuits. In case a problem happens on the International Space Station (ISS) sometime in the next six weeks, Williams and Wilmore won't have the safety of their in-flight spacesuits while fleeing. WATCH: PM Modi's diplomatic outreach: Balancing interests between Moscow, Kyiv ×

Morning news brief: Robert F. Kennedy Jr endorses Trump; Baby in Gaza paralysed from polio; and more

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidcC6MiuUs5lJc" />Independent presidential candidate&nbsp;Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Friday (Aug 23)&nbsp;abandoned his campaign and endorsed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.&nbsp;Hours after announcing the endorsement in a press conference, Kennedy joined Trump at a campaign event in Arizona, where the crowd cheered the independent loudly.</p>

<p>"His candidacy has inspired millions and millions of Americans, raised critical issues that have been too long ignored in this country," Trump said of Kennedy.</p>

<p>Earlier, Kennedy, 70,&nbsp;told reporters&nbsp;that he met with Trump and his aides several times and learned they agreed on key issues including border security, free speech and ending wars.</p>

<h2><strong>How much impact will the endorsement have?</strong></h2>

<p>An analysis of poll data done by ABC News showed that&nbsp;Kennedy's endorsement of Trump will have a minimal impact on the presidential race.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-f-kennedy-jr-ends-white-house-bid-endorses-trump-752860">Robert F. Kennedy Jr ends White House bid, endorses Trump</a></strong></p>

<p>Kennedy, who has consistently polled around 5 per cent since Vice President Kamala Harris became the presumptive nominee, was drawing roughly equally from both Trump and Harris, with that support coming from both traditionally Democratic and traditionally Republican groups, ABC News reported.</p>

<p>The analysis said that Kennedy's endorsement of Trump&nbsp;may marginally help the Republican among white, male, and older voters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Decision to endorse Trump betrays family values'</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to Kennedy's decision to endorse Trump, his sister&nbsp;Kerry said that this decision betrayed their family's values.&nbsp;"It is a sad ending to a sad story," she said on social media.</p>

<p>Robert F. Kennedy Jr. entered the race in April 2023 as a challenger to President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination.</p>

<p>With some voters at the time turned off by both the ageing Biden and the legally embattled Trump, interest in Kennedy soared. He later decided to run as an independent, and a November 2023 poll by Reuters/Ipsos showed Kennedy with 20 per cent support in a three-way race with Biden and Trump.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Race To Power US:&nbsp;Donald Trump abruptly ends Interview citing security concerns</strong></p>

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<p>For a time, both the Biden and Trump campaigns showed signs they were worried that Kennedy could draw enough support to change the election outcome.</p>

<p>However,&nbsp;as the race changed quickly in the last two months-- with&nbsp;Trump surviving an assassination attempt and Biden leaving the race and endorsing Kamala Harris-- voter interest in Kennedy waned.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Friday (Aug 23) abandoned his campaign and endorsed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Hours after announcing the endorsement in a press conference, Kennedy joined Trump at a campaign event in Arizona, where the crowd cheered the independent loudly.

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Friday (Aug 23) abandoned his campaign and endorsed Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Hours after announcing the endorsement in a press conference, Kennedy joined Trump at a campaign event in Arizona, where the crowd cheered the independent loudly. "His candidacy has inspired millions and millions of Americans, raised critical issues that have been too long ignored in this country," Trump said of Kennedy. Earlier, Kennedy, 70, told reporters that he met with Trump and his aides several times and learned they agreed on key issues including border security, free speech and ending wars. How much impact will the endorsement have? An analysis of poll data done by ABC News showed that Kennedy's endorsement of Trump will have a minimal impact on the presidential race. Also read | Robert F. Kennedy Jr ends White House bid, endorses Trump Kennedy, who has consistently polled around 5 per cent since Vice President Kamala Harris became the presumptive nominee, was drawing roughly equally from both Trump and Harris, with that support coming from both traditionally Democratic and traditionally Republican groups, ABC News reported. The analysis said that Kennedy's endorsement of Trump may marginally help the Republican among white, male, and older voters. 'Decision to endorse Trump betrays family values' Reacting to Kennedy's decision to endorse Trump, his sister Kerry said that this decision betrayed their family's values. "It is a sad ending to a sad story," she said on social media. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. entered the race in April 2023 as a challenger to President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination. With some voters at the time turned off by both the ageing Biden and the legally embattled Trump, interest in Kennedy soared. He later decided to run as an independent, and a November 2023 poll by Reuters/Ipsos showed Kennedy with 20 per cent support in a three-way race with Biden and Trump. Also watch | Race To Power US: Donald Trump abruptly ends Interview citing security concerns × For a time, both the Biden and Trump campaigns showed signs they were worried that Kennedy could draw enough support to change the election outcome. However, as the race changed quickly in the last two months-- with Trump surviving an assassination attempt and Biden leaving the race and endorsing Kamala Harris-- voter interest in Kennedy waned. (With inputs from agencies)

US presidential election: RFK Jr. endorses Trump, but how much momentum will it give?

<p>Independent US&nbsp;presidential candidate&nbsp;Robert&nbsp;F&nbsp;Kennedy&nbsp;Jr&nbsp;on Thursday (August 22) filed paperwork to withdraw from presidential ballots in the state of Arizona, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said.</p>

<p>The withdrawal comes as&nbsp;Kennedy&nbsp;is set to address the nation on Friday in Arizona.</p>

<p>A super PAC supporting&nbsp;Kennedy&nbsp;told Reuters on Wednesday (August 21) that&nbsp;Kennedy&nbsp;wants a deal with Donald Trump in which he endorses the Republican rival in exchange for a job in a potential Trump administration.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjRws-61ouIAxU6rVYBHYYRCCcQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/resulted-in-heavy-loss-india-day-parade-in-us-faces-hate-over-ram-mandir-tableau-750206" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/resulted-in-heavy-loss-india-day-parade-in-us-faces-hate-over-ram-mandir-tableau-750206&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjRws-61ouIAxU6rVYBHYYRCCcQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">‘Resulted in heavy loss,’ India Day parade in US faces hate over Ram Mandir tableau</a></strong></p>

<p>Trump told CNN this week he would "certainly be open" to&nbsp;Kennedy&nbsp;playing a role in his administration if the independent candidate drops out of the race and endorses him.</p>

<p>Kennedy, his vice presidential running mate Nicole Shanahan, and 11 of his presidential electors issued a voluntary withdrawal, Arizona's Fontes said in a post on X.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjRws-61ouIAxU6rVYBHYYRCCcQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-have-power-to-bring-peace-stability-to-the-world-rajnath-singh-752672" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-have-power-to-bring-peace-stability-to-the-world-rajnath-singh-752672&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjRws-61ouIAxU6rVYBHYYRCCcQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">India, US have power to bring peace, stability to the world: Rajnath Singh</a></strong></p>

<p>The&nbsp;Kennedy&nbsp;campaign did not respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p>Kennedy, 70, the son of late Democratic politician and US&nbsp;Attorney General&nbsp;Robert&nbsp;F.&nbsp;Kennedy&nbsp;and nephew of the late President John F.&nbsp;Kennedy, started his presidential campaign as a Democrat, challenging President Joe Biden for the nomination.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Independent US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr on Thursday (August 22) filed paperwork to withdraw from presidential ballots in the state of Arizona, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said.

Independent US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr on Thursday (August 22) filed paperwork to withdraw from presidential ballots in the state of Arizona, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said. The withdrawal comes as Kennedy is set to address the nation on Friday in Arizona. A super PAC supporting Kennedy told Reuters on Wednesday (August 21) that Kennedy wants a deal with Donald Trump in which he endorses the Republican rival in exchange for a job in a potential Trump administration. Also read: ‘Resulted in heavy loss,’ India Day parade in US faces hate over Ram Mandir tableau Trump told CNN this week he would "certainly be open" to Kennedy playing a role in his administration if the independent candidate drops out of the race and endorses him. Kennedy, his vice presidential running mate Nicole Shanahan, and 11 of his presidential electors issued a voluntary withdrawal, Arizona's Fontes said in a post on X. Also read: India, US have power to bring peace, stability to the world: Rajnath Singh The Kennedy campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Kennedy, 70, the son of late Democratic politician and US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, started his presidential campaign as a Democrat, challenging President Joe Biden for the nomination. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Robert F Kennedy Jr withdraws US presidential bid in Arizona

According to the New York Times, Robert F Kennedy Jr has said that a health problem he experienced in 2010 was caused by a worm that got into his brain and ate a portion of it. His campaign has said that he has fully recovered. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | Presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a worm in his brain

Independent US Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says that he may have been attacked by a worm that ate part of his brain and then died inside his head. Watch in for more details!

RFK Jr claims worm ate part of his brain, dies inside his head

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidd1wnVNk5rBYF" /></p>

<p>US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr confirmed that he is in "robust health" after reports surfaced which suggested that a worm had infested his brain more than a decade ago.</p>

<p>According to a report published by The New York Times, Kennedy earlier was suffering from mercury poisoning and heart issues, which included an abnormality that was caused by a worm which had entered his brain and then died.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Health has been a&nbsp;key&nbsp;part of Kennedy's campaign&nbsp;and&nbsp;he has compared his physical fitness to that of Donald Trump and Joe Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement on Wednesday (May 8), his campaign said, "Questioning Mr Kennedy's health is a hilarious suggestion, given his competition."</p>

<p>"Mr Kennedy travelled extensively in Africa, South America, and Asia in his work as an environmental advocate, and in one of those locations contracted a parasite.&nbsp;The issue was resolved&nbsp;more than&nbsp;10&nbsp;years ago, and he is in robust physical and mental health," the campaign added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/one-in-three-people-suffer-from-silent-killer-cardiac-disease-study-713100">One in three people suffer from 'silent killer' condition: Study</a></p>

<h2><strong>What happened to Robert F Kennedy Jr?</strong></h2>

<p>In 2010, the US presidential candidate faced severe memory loss as well as mental fog.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the report in the Times, he consulted with top neurologists who knew about his late uncle's medical history. His uncle Ted Kennedy died of brain cancer in 2009.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After checking the scan of his brain, a New York doctor said that his health issues could have been “caused by a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died,".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How does the disease affect the brain?</strong></h2>

<p>The health condition, known as neurocysticercosis, is a brain infection which is related to larvae from pork tapeworms. It is a rare condition&nbsp;and&nbsp;nearly 1,000 to 2,000 people get hospitalised every year in the United States.</p>

<p>Neurocysticercosis leads to seizures, headaches, blindness, blurred vision, dizziness, psychosis or memory loss.&nbsp;In a few cases, it can also turn fatal.</p>

<p>The infection generally happens after people consume raw or undercooked pork&nbsp;which&nbsp;may contain a tapeworm.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Next pandemic likely to be caused by flu virus, scientists warn</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/next-pandemic-likely-to-be-caused-by-flu-virus-scientists-warn-713656/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The patients then shed tapeworm eggs in their stool and&nbsp;also&nbsp;contaminate&nbsp;surfaces or food if their hands&nbsp;are&nbsp;not properly&nbsp;washed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Because of this, when people around the patients consume food touched by them or come in contact with contaminated surfaces, they&nbsp;accidentally take in tapeworm eggs.</p>

<p>According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,&nbsp;healthcare providers have a poor understanding of&nbsp;the condition of such patients and that neurocysticercosis&nbsp;is a “neglected parasitic infection".</p>

<p>“It’s an important disease and gets ignored a lot,” said Dr&nbsp;Clinton White, an infectious disease professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr confirmed that he is in "robust health" after reports surfaced which suggested that a worm had infested his brain more than a decade ago.

US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr confirmed that he is in "robust health" after reports surfaced which suggested that a worm had infested his brain more than a decade ago. According to a report published by The New York Times, Kennedy earlier was suffering from mercury poisoning and heart issues, which included an abnormality that was caused by a worm which had entered his brain and then died. Health has been a key part of Kennedy's campaign and he has compared his physical fitness to that of Donald Trump and Joe Biden. In a statement on Wednesday (May 8), his campaign said, "Questioning Mr Kennedy's health is a hilarious suggestion, given his competition." "Mr Kennedy travelled extensively in Africa, South America, and Asia in his work as an environmental advocate, and in one of those locations contracted a parasite. The issue was resolved more than 10 years ago, and he is in robust physical and mental health," the campaign added. Also Read: One in three people suffer from 'silent killer' condition: Study What happened to Robert F Kennedy Jr? In 2010, the US presidential candidate faced severe memory loss as well as mental fog. As per the report in the Times, he consulted with top neurologists who knew about his late uncle's medical history. His uncle Ted Kennedy died of brain cancer in 2009. After checking the scan of his brain, a New York doctor said that his health issues could have been “caused by a worm that got into my brain and ate a portion of it and then died,". How does the disease affect the brain? The health condition, known as neurocysticercosis, is a brain infection which is related to larvae from pork tapeworms. It is a rare condition and nearly 1,000 to 2,000 people get hospitalised every year in the United States. Neurocysticercosis leads to seizures, headaches, blindness, blurred vision, dizziness, psychosis or memory loss. In a few cases, it can also turn fatal. The infection generally happens after people consume raw or undercooked pork which may contain a tapeworm. Watch: Next pandemic likely to be caused by flu virus, scientists warn The patients then shed tapeworm eggs in their stool and also contaminate surfaces or food if their hands are not properly washed. Because of this, when people around the patients consume food touched by them or come in contact with contaminated surfaces, they accidentally take in tapeworm eggs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare providers have a poor understanding of the condition of such patients and that neurocysticercosis is a “neglected parasitic infection". “It’s an important disease and gets ignored a lot,” said Dr Clinton White, an infectious disease professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. (With inputs from agencies)

Parasitic worm once ate 'a part of' RFK Jr's brain. Here's how that might happen to anyone

Former US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to attack Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate running a long shot presidential campaign. "RFK Jr. is a Democrat 'Plant,' a Radical Left Liberal who's been put in place in order to help Crooked Joe Biden," Trump alleged in his post.

US: Donald Trump calls RFK Jr a ‘Democrat plant,’ says voting for him is a ‘wasted protest vote’

US: Donald Trump attacks Robert F Kennedy Jr, calls him Democrat 'Plant'

<p>Independent US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr presented&nbsp;Silicon Valley lawyer and philanthropist Nicole Shanahan as his running mate on Tuesday (Mar 26). Shanahan, who is the&nbsp;ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, has never been in the limelight and has never before run for political office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kennedy Jr. (aka RFK Jr.), best known for his anti-Covid vaccine stance and public health conspiracies, is running as an independent candidate in the upcoming US presidential elections. Choosing a running mate is a prerequisite to be on the ballot in several states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here’s everything you need to know about Nicole Shanahan:</p>

<h2><strong>Nicole Shanahan: Wealthy lawyer and tech entrepreneur with a bare social media presence joins the VP race</strong></h2>

<p>Kennedy Jr.’s VP pick of Shanahan came as a wild card as the attorney doesn’t have any kind of public persona and is generally interested in niche policy issues like regenerative agriculture and gut biomes that rarely strike a chord with the commoners. But Shanahan’s abundant wealth can be of immense help for Kennedy Jr.</p>

<p>Born and raised in California, Nicole Shanahan is an American tech entrepreneur, lawyer and philanthropist&nbsp;who has a compelling rags-to-riches story of wealth and success. In one of her interviews with People magazine, she described her childhood as “very hard”. Her mother worked as a maid and accountant after her father passed away after suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-claims-he-commuted-to-no-rail-lines-baltimore-bridge-by-train-many-times-704689">Biden says he commuted over Baltimore bridge by train 'many times'. The problem? It has no rail tracks!</a></p>

<p>Shanahan attended the National University of Singapore and Santa Clara University School of Law. After practising law at various firms, she became the founder and CEO of a legal tech company called ClearAccessIP, based in Palo Alto. She later sold the company to a competitor IPwe in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After this, she invested in a biotech firm, LinusBio, and joined the board of Extreme Tech Challenge in 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, after all these years of investments, she also established her private foundation, Bia-Echo in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Watch |&nbsp;<strong>US Presidential Elections 2024: Race for white house heats up</strong></p>

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<p>In 2022, Shanahan's then-husband, Sergey Brin, donated at least $23 million in shares of Alphabet (Google's parent company) to Bia-Echo. In 2019, Shanahan pledged to contribute $100 million over five years; mostly for research in reproductive longevity (programmes that help women become pregnant later in life).</p>

<p>Shanahan has made donations and contributions to political parties in the past as well. Like, during the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, Shanahan contributed $2800 each to the campaigns of Marianne Willaimson and Pete Buttigieg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-joins-hands-with-god-bless-the-usa-singer-lee-greenwood-to-sell-60-bibles-704648">Trump is selling $60 Bibles in collaboration with singer Lee Greenwood. Here's why</a></p>

<p>She also co-hosted a fundraiser for Buttigieg in December 2019, along with other wealthy Silicon Valley figures. After Joe Biden became the presumptive nominee, she supported the Biden presidential campaign, contributing $25,000 to the Biden Victory Fund.</p>

<p>In recent months, Shanahan&nbsp;emerged as a prominent supporter of Kennedy's campaign, financially backing his polarizing Super Bowl commercial, which mimicked a classic John F. Kennedy campaign advertisement, drawing criticism from Kennedy family members.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-concert-hall-attack-russia-detains-eighth-suspect-amid-torture-concerns-704641">Moscow concert hall attack: Russia detains eighth suspect amid torture concerns</a></p>

<p>Shanahan contributed $4 million to the Super PAC responsible for the ad, stating to the New York Times her belief in the potential to spotlight Kennedy's candidacy and her alignment with his positions on environmental issues and vaccinations.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Her candidacy for vice president was reported by Mediaite on March 16 which was later confirmed by Kennedy on March 26.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Independent US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr presented Silicon Valley lawyer and philanthropist Nicole Shanahan as his running mate on Tuesday (Mar 26).

Independent US presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr presented Silicon Valley lawyer and philanthropist Nicole Shanahan as his running mate on Tuesday (Mar 26). Shanahan, who is the ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, has never been in the limelight and has never before run for political office. Kennedy Jr. (aka RFK Jr.), best known for his anti-Covid vaccine stance and public health conspiracies, is running as an independent candidate in the upcoming US presidential elections. Choosing a running mate is a prerequisite to be on the ballot in several states. Here’s everything you need to know about Nicole Shanahan: Nicole Shanahan: Wealthy lawyer and tech entrepreneur with a bare social media presence joins the VP race Kennedy Jr.’s VP pick of Shanahan came as a wild card as the attorney doesn’t have any kind of public persona and is generally interested in niche policy issues like regenerative agriculture and gut biomes that rarely strike a chord with the commoners. But Shanahan’s abundant wealth can be of immense help for Kennedy Jr. Born and raised in California, Nicole Shanahan is an American tech entrepreneur, lawyer and philanthropist who has a compelling rags-to-riches story of wealth and success. In one of her interviews with People magazine, she described her childhood as “very hard”. Her mother worked as a maid and accountant after her father passed away after suffering from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Also Read | Biden says he commuted over Baltimore bridge by train 'many times'. The problem? It has no rail tracks! Shanahan attended the National University of Singapore and Santa Clara University School of Law. After practising law at various firms, she became the founder and CEO of a legal tech company called ClearAccessIP, based in Palo Alto. She later sold the company to a competitor IPwe in 2020. After this, she invested in a biotech firm, LinusBio, and joined the board of Extreme Tech Challenge in 2023. Meanwhile, after all these years of investments, she also established her private foundation, Bia-Echo in 2018. Watch | US Presidential Elections 2024: Race for white house heats up × In 2022, Shanahan's then-husband, Sergey Brin, donated at least $23 million in shares of Alphabet (Google's parent company) to Bia-Echo. In 2019, Shanahan pledged to contribute $100 million over five years; mostly for research in reproductive longevity (programmes that help women become pregnant later in life). Shanahan has made donations and contributions to political parties in the past as well. Like, during the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries, Shanahan contributed $2800 each to the campaigns of Marianne Willaimson and Pete Buttigieg. Also Read | Trump is selling $60 Bibles in collaboration with singer Lee Greenwood. Here's why She also co-hosted a fundraiser for Buttigieg in December 2019, along with other wealthy Silicon Valley figures. After Joe Biden became the presumptive nominee, she supported the Biden presidential campaign, contributing $25,000 to the Biden Victory Fund. In recent months, Shanahan emerged as a prominent supporter of Kennedy's campaign, financially backing his polarizing Super Bowl commercial, which mimicked a classic John F. Kennedy campaign advertisement, drawing criticism from Kennedy family members. Also Read | Moscow concert hall attack: Russia detains eighth suspect amid torture concerns Shanahan contributed $4 million to the Super PAC responsible for the ad, stating to the New York Times her belief in the potential to spotlight Kennedy's candidacy and her alignment with his positions on environmental issues and vaccinations. Her candidacy for vice president was reported by Mediaite on March 16 which was later confirmed by Kennedy on March 26. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Nicole Shanahan? Robert Kennedy Jr's vice president pick is ex-wife of Google founder Brin

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<p>Democratic presidential hopeful Robert F Kennedy Jr. on Saturday (July 15) slammed the allegations of racism and anti-Semitism after he reportedly claimed that Covid might have been "ethnically targetted" to spare the Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. According to a report by the New York Post, Kennedy addressed a press event in New York City on Tuesday where he said, "COVID-19, there is an argument that it is ethnically targeted. COVID-19 attacks certain races disproportionately."</p>

<p>"COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese," he added, as per the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Facing severe backlash, Kennedy tweeted on Saturday that the story by the New York Post was mistaken, and he never suggested Covid was targetted to spare Jews.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The <a href="https://twitter.com/nypost?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nypost</a> story is mistaken. I have never, ever suggested that the COVID-19 virus was targeted to spare Jews. I accurately pointed out — during an off-the-record conversation — that the U.S. and other governments are developing ethnically targeted bioweapons and that a 2021…</p>
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1680227322509635595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"I accurately pointed out — during an off-the-record conversation — that the US and other governments are developing ethnically targeted bioweapons and that a 2021 study of the COVID-19 virus shows that COVID-19 appears to disproportionately affect certain races since the furin cleave docking site is most compatible with Blacks and Caucasians and least compatible with ethnic Chinese, Finns, and Ashkenazi Jews," he tweeted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In that sense, it serves as a kind of proof of concept for ethnically targeted bioweapons," Kennedy further said and shared a link to the study.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A reputation as an anti-vaxxer</strong></h2>

<p>Kennedy had built a reputation as an anti-vaxxer even before the Covid pandemic started. According to a report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), he was among 12 people responsible for the majority of Covid conspiracy theories online.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The CCDH analysed over 800,000 anti-vaccine posts shared on Facebook and Twitter between February 1 and March 16, 2021. The centre found that 65 per cent of this content could be attributed to the "disinformation dozen".</p>

<p>On Facebook alone, the CCDH found that those 12 people were responsible for 73 per cent of the anti-vaccine content on the platform.</p>

<h2><strong>Democrat slams Kennedy: Remarks 'amplify sinister and unfounded notions...'</strong></h2>

<p>Marianne Williamson, another Democratic presidential hopeful, strongly denounced Kennedy's remarks on Tuesday. "Whether intentionally or not, his remarks amplify sinister and unfounded notions that are both anti-Semitic and anti-Chinese," Williamson tweeted late Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kennedy’s “I’m only asking questions” use of the most anti-Semitic tropes is unacceptable. As a Jewish American candidate in the 2024 presidential race, I stand against this covert racism writ large. Such language serves only to divide us further at a moment when we need…</p>
— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) <a href="https://twitter.com/marwilliamson/status/1680272732695707649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"As a Jewish American candidate in the 2024 presidential race, I stand against this covert racism writ large. Such language serves only to divide us further at a moment when we need desperately to unite," she added.&nbsp;</p>

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Democratic presidential hopeful Robert F Kennedy Jr. on Saturday (July 15) slammed the allegations of racism and anti-Semitism after he reportedly claimed that Covid might have been "ethnically targetted" to spare the Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people.

Democratic presidential hopeful Robert F Kennedy Jr. on Saturday (July 15) slammed the allegations of racism and anti-Semitism after he reportedly claimed that Covid might have been "ethnically targetted" to spare the Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people. According to a report by the New York Post, Kennedy addressed a press event in New York City on Tuesday where he said, "COVID-19, there is an argument that it is ethnically targeted. COVID-19 attacks certain races disproportionately." "COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese," he added, as per the report. Facing severe backlash, Kennedy tweeted on Saturday that the story by the New York Post was mistaken, and he never suggested Covid was targetted to spare Jews. The @nypost story is mistaken. I have never, ever suggested that the COVID-19 virus was targeted to spare Jews. I accurately pointed out — during an off-the-record conversation — that the U.S. and other governments are developing ethnically targeted bioweapons and that a 2021… — Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) July 15, 2023 × "I accurately pointed out — during an off-the-record conversation — that the US and other governments are developing ethnically targeted bioweapons and that a 2021 study of the COVID-19 virus shows that COVID-19 appears to disproportionately affect certain races since the furin cleave docking site is most compatible with Blacks and Caucasians and least compatible with ethnic Chinese, Finns, and Ashkenazi Jews," he tweeted. "In that sense, it serves as a kind of proof of concept for ethnically targeted bioweapons," Kennedy further said and shared a link to the study. A reputation as an anti-vaxxer Kennedy had built a reputation as an anti-vaxxer even before the Covid pandemic started. According to a report by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), he was among 12 people responsible for the majority of Covid conspiracy theories online. The CCDH analysed over 800,000 anti-vaccine posts shared on Facebook and Twitter between February 1 and March 16, 2021. The centre found that 65 per cent of this content could be attributed to the "disinformation dozen". On Facebook alone, the CCDH found that those 12 people were responsible for 73 per cent of the anti-vaccine content on the platform. Democrat slams Kennedy: Remarks 'amplify sinister and unfounded notions...' Marianne Williamson, another Democratic presidential hopeful, strongly denounced Kennedy's remarks on Tuesday. "Whether intentionally or not, his remarks amplify sinister and unfounded notions that are both anti-Semitic and anti-Chinese," Williamson tweeted late Saturday. Kennedy’s “I’m only asking questions” use of the most anti-Semitic tropes is unacceptable. As a Jewish American candidate in the 2024 presidential race, I stand against this covert racism writ large. Such language serves only to divide us further at a moment when we need… — Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) July 15, 2023 × "As a Jewish American candidate in the 2024 presidential race, I stand against this covert racism writ large. Such language serves only to divide us further at a moment when we need desperately to unite," she added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Robert Kennedy Jr denies that his remarks on ‘ethnically targeted' Covid were racist

US President Joe Biden to announce re-election bid next week along with campaign video. Will the current president of the United States will win the 2024 presidential polls? And if so, can he make it to the white house for a second term?

US President Joe Biden to announce re-election bid next week