Since Donald Trump was named president-elect controversial selection To lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been criticized by medical and public health experts for his anti-vaccine history, current vaccine skepticism, his stance on the COVID-19 pandemic and others. for descriptions of fluoridated water. But some of the environmental lawyer’s views are getting support from some unexpected sources.
On Wednesday, celebrity food author Michael Pollan echoed those criticisms, but offered some praise for Kennedy’s criticism of the American food industry, which Kennedy has accused of fueling obesity and chronic disease.
“He’s making an important critique of the food system,” Pollan told ABC News, while making it clear that he was making a “strong distinction” between Kennedy’s food stance and his medical advice, and that he thinks Kennedy is “terrible.” opportunity to work
Pollan’s comments echo a stance taken in recent days by some prominent Democrats who have praised Kennedy for his vows to “Make America Healthy Again,” in part by challenging the food industry, while condemning him for his years. working against vaccination health policies.
Pollan’s comments to ABC News came after he shared an apparently positive article about Kennedy on social media, titled “They’re Lying About Robert F. Kennedy Jr.” The move prompted Kennedy himself to respond and suggest working together.
“Thank you @michaelpollan!” Kennedy wrote Thursday, X. “I look forward to working with you to restore our public health agencies to their gold standard, rich tradition of evidence-based science and Make America Healthy Again.”
Asked if Kennedy would take the offer, Pollan said plainly, “No.”

Former Republican presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks before speaking at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College on Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
“I have to play my role, which is not a role,” he told ABC News.
Kennedy has faced it harsh criticism He said vaccines are behind an “epidemic” of disease in America and that the mineral fluoride added in small amounts to some drinking water is “industrial waste” in the fight against cavities. Pollan said Kennedy’s positions on vaccines and fluoride “seem nuts” and that his choice to lead HHS in general was “terrible.”
But Pollan, who has written several books, including one on the effects of food on the human body, offered some praise for Kennedy’s views on ultra-processed foods and the overuse of corn and soy.
“It’s brought these issues into the national conversation, and I think that’s a great thing,” Pollan said.
He also praised Kennedy for linking the epidemic of obesity and chronic diseases to agricultural policies, a move he said was “really important”.
“I’m looking for the sparkle in an otherwise bleak landscape,” Pollan said.
Pollan’s endorsement of Kennedy’s food stance follows some praise from Democratic officials.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said he was “thrilled” that Kennedy had been nominated to lead HHS, and wrote in the X that he was “most optimistic” that Kennedy would lead “big pharma and the corporate oligopoly to improve our health.” “
In a subsequent post, he wrote: “Science must be the foundation of our nation’s health policy” and said that “science-backed decision-making improves public health and safety,” but noted that he is in favor of “big change.” Organizations like the FDA that have been obstacles to reducing drug costs and promoting healthy foods.”
Earlier this week, Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey posted a video on social media about how he has been “raising the alarm about the dangers of today’s food system.”
“American food is making us sick,” Booker said in the video. Although he did not mention Kennedy by name, Kennedy reposted the video, thanking Booker for his “long history of leadership on this issue.”
When asked by ABC News, Booker said he had not yet decided on Kennedy’s nomination, that Kennedy would have to go through the confirmation process and that Kennedy’s attitudes were “very troubling.” He added that he is “in no way skeptical that the Trump administration is going to do things to make them healthier.”
However, Booker said he was “pleased to hear” about some of the issues surrounding Kennedy’s health, “There is a growing coalition in America from both sides of the aisle that is really demanding change. I hope, if the Trump administration is willing to do something fair and positive on these issues, it will be there.” I am”.
“As for RFK, we’ll look at his entire record, evaluate it and make a decision, but my focus is on trying to prevent Trump from doing any more harm to the health of the American people, like he did last time,” Booker said.
Pollan, for his part, questioned how much Trump would allow Kennedy to make real reforms to the food industry if Kennedy were to be confirmed.
“I doubt Trump will give him the authority to do what he wants to do around food,” Pollan said of Kennedy, who was pictured eating McDonald’s with Trump and on Trump’s plane in a viral photo over the weekend. “Wherever it goes, I have my doubts, but I’m glad to see that they’re talking about these issues.”