Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health and human services secretary, has denied he is planning to run for president in 2028, following accusations from conservative influencer Laura Loomer that his aides were laying groundwork for a campaign. In a social media post, Kennedy called the claim a "flat-out lie" and reaffirmed his loyalty to President Donald Trump.
Loomer, known as "Trump's Rasputin," expressed concerns in a Politico interview that Stefanie Spear, a top aide to Kennedy, was using her position to prepare for a future presidential run. Loomer has previously targeted other Trump administration officials, leading to their dismissal or reinstatement.
Kennedy responded on Friday, stating: "Let me be clear: I am not running for president in 2028. My loyalty is to President Trump and the mission we've started." He defended Spear as a "fierce, loyal warrior" for the Make America Healthy Again (Maha) agenda.
The denial comes amid reports that Kennedy is considering changes to vaccine policy and has halted funding for mRNA vaccine research. Loomer, who views Kennedy's vaccine skepticism as left-leaning, has been a vocal critic within the White House.
