Originally published at: https://peakprosperity.com/daily-digest/rfk-jr-sworn-in-russia-praises-trump/
Health
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was confirmed and sworn-in as the new Secretary of Health and Human Services. Immediately following his swearing-in, President Trump signed an executive order establishing the “Make America Healthy Again” Commission to address chronic disease in the United States. The commission aims to tackle lower life expectancy and the high prevalence of chronic diseases, focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles. It will also study the childhood chronic disease crisis and advise the President on strategies to address it. While health advocacy groups have praised the initiative, critics express skepticism about its feasibility and potential bureaucratic challenges.
In an interview following his swearing-in, RFK Jr. has pledged to overhaul the vaccine injury reporting system, citing a CDC study that found the current system captures less than 1% of vaccine injuries. He criticized the lack of a functional surveillance system and vowed to implement a better reporting system. RFK Jr. also claimed that President Trump advocates for studying vaccine safety, while criticizing the Biden administration’s policy on injury reporting. However, fact-checkers have found no evidence of a directive to suppress vaccine injury reports, and claim efforts are ongoing to improve the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
Additionally, RFK Jr. stated he’s looking into officials involved in alleged corruption scandals, calling for the removal of those who made “bad decisions.” He specifically mentioned officials behind nutrition guidelines and the NIH’s involvement in the amyloid plaque scandal. RFK Jr. emphasized the need to remove individuals working for pharmaceutical interests. While some support his call for accountability, others criticize his approach as potentially undermining public trust in health institutions.
RFK Jr.’s former running mate, Nicole Shanahan, has joined him as an advisor at the Department of Health and Human Services, emphasizing independence from Big Pharma influence. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that those involved in health policy are not influenced by for-profit interests. Critics argue that RFK Jr.’s views on vaccines could undermine public health efforts, while supporters see their stance as a step towards reducing corporate influence in health policy.
Finally, President Trump has appointed Gerald Parker to lead the White House’s pandemic office amid rising bird flu concerns. Parker, a veterinarian and former federal health official, brings expertise in One Health and animal health, which is seen as advantageous in addressing the bird flu’s impact on the poultry and dairy industries. Dr. Ashish Jha praised Parker’s appointment, highlighting his non-partisan approach and expertise in zoonotic diseases. Others remain skeptical due to his involvement in Operation Warp Speed and One Health initiatives.
US Politics
President Trump has launched a strategy to address the Deep State, utilizing executive orders, congressional support, and transparency initiatives. Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed support for Trump’s spending cuts, citing the need to address the $36 trillion federal debt through a budget reconciliation bill. Representative Anna Paulina Luna announced a task force aimed at declassifying federal secrets to restore public trust. Elon Musk has reportedly joined Trump in criticizing government inefficiencies, particularly in FEMA and Social Security. An executive order was signed to optimize the federal workforce, addressing bureaucratic resistance. However, critics like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have labeled these moves as an “overreach of executive power,” arguing they bypass necessary Congressional oversight and undermine democratic checks and balances.
In a related development, USAID’s role in the Russian collusion narrative has been highlighted, with its dissolution under Trump marking a shift. USAID’s influence reportedly extended to the impeachment of Trump, with its support of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) playing a role in the Trump-Russia collusion narrative. The dismantling of USAID has revealed its role in shaping narratives and protecting political interests. USAID has defended its mission, stating that its work in media development is aimed at promoting democracy and transparency, not political manipulation.
Journalist Matt Taibbi further criticized USAID and censorship in a congressional testimony, highlighting the agency’s role in a larger censorship mechanism. He argued that USAID’s funding of organizations like Internews contributed to a system that erodes media trust. Taibbi called for the dismantling of this mechanism, emphasizing the importance of the First Amendment. USAID responded by emphasizing their commitment to supporting independent journalism and combating disinformation.
Judge John McConnell, the judge who ordered the unfreezing of the Inflation Reduction Act funds, faces calls for impeachment over a conflict of interest related to the Act. McConnell disclosed owning $250,000 in stock in a company that received $75 million from the Act, raising concerns about his impartiality in ruling on related cases. Legal experts are divided on the severity of the conflict, with some noting that his investment was in a diversified mutual fund, which might mitigate the conflict of interest claim.
Finally, Border Czar Tom Homan has referred Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to the DOJ for potential prosecution, alleging she impeded law enforcement efforts to find illegal aliens. Homan expressed frustration with AOC’s actions and sought guidance from the DOJ on whether her actions crossed legal boundaries. Legal experts argue that informing individuals of their rights does not constitute obstruction of justice, and AOC has defended her actions as providing legal information.
Geopolitics
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised President Trump’s diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, contrasting them with the Biden administration’s approach. Lavrov criticized the Biden administration’s reliance on threats and sanctions, suggesting that Trump’s communication style with Russia is more effective. This praise comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Russia over the conflict in Ukraine. However, some U.S. officials criticize Trump’s approach as too lenient on Russia, potentially undermining U.S. interests.
Relatedly, Trump proposed halving military budgets and advocated for Russia’s return to the G8. He emphasized the importance of having Russia at the table for discussions and suggested restarting nuclear arms control talks. This proposal comes amid concerns over China’s enhanced strategic capabilities and ongoing conflicts involving Russia. Critics like Senator Lindsey Graham argue that reducing military budgets could weaken U.S. defense capabilities amid rising global threats.
Sources
Trump’s Tactical Triumph: A Multi-Front Assault on the Deep State Unfolds
Trump has brilliantly shifted the narrative. It’s no longer about Republicans vs. Democrats. It’s about The People vs. The Bureaucracy.
Source | Submitted by pinecarr
RFK Jr. Pledges Overhaul of Vaccine Injury Reporting System, Citing CDC Study on Data Gaps
We don’t have good data on it, and that is a crime.
Presidential Order Launches ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Commission to Tackle Chronic Disease Crisis
Americans of all ages are becoming sicker, beset by illnesses that our medical system is not addressing effectively.
USAID’s Role in the Russian Collusion Narrative: Unveiling the Alleged Deep State Connections
USAID and the State Department appear to have created a vast network to co-opt the international press.
Source | Submitted by Mysterymet
Matt Taibbi Criticizes USAID and Censorship in Fiery Congressional Testimony
This is an Alamo moment for the First Amendment.
Source | Submitted by Rodster
Trump Appoints Gerald Parker to Lead Pandemic Office Amid Rising Bird Flu Concerns
“I do know that by picking Gerry Parker, I think at least the Trump White House is signaling they’re going to take biological threats seriously and they’re going to have a serious person at the helm,” said Jha.
Source | Submitted by PSP
Trump Proposes Halving Military Budgets, Advocates for Russia’s Return to G7
One of the first meetings I want to have is with President Xi of China, President Putin of Russia, and I want to say, ‘let’s cut our military budget in half.’ And we can do that.
Source | Submitted by Blaggers
Judge’s $250K Stock Ties Spark Calls for Impeachment Over Inflation Reduction Act Ruling
Judge John McConnell…owns $250,000 stock in a company that received $75 million from the Act.
RFK Jr. Targets Officials in Alleged Corruption Scandal, Calls for Removal of ‘Bad Decision’ Makers
I’m focused on moving out the people who made bad decisions—like those behind the nutrition guidelines or the NIH officials involved in the amyloid plaque scandal that derailed Alzheimer’s treatment for 20 years.
RFK Jr. Claims Trump Advocates Vaccine Safety Study, Criticizes Biden’s Injury Reporting Policy
President Trump hasn’t made a decision yet. He’s asking to study the safety and safety signals—and I think that’s worth doing.
Nicole Shanahan Joins RFK Jr. as HHS Advisor, Vows Independence from Big Pharma Influence
The number one goal right now is to make sure that anyone who touches this budget … is not being informed by for-profit corporatist interests.
AOC Faces DOJ Referral by Former ICE Chief Over Alleged Law Enforcement Impediment
We’re DONE [with this].
Lavrov Lauds Trump’s Diplomatic Approach in Ukraine Amid Criticism of Biden’s Tactics
This is how you should communicate with Russia.
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: The Guardian, USAID on X, Dr. Ashish Jha on X, Senator Lindsey Graham on X, The Washington Post, FactCheck.org, The Hill, Reuters, Fox News, and Al Jazeera.