RFK Jr. is dangerous. Dems’ COVID lies helped him gain power
As President Donald Trump enters his second term, public dissatisfaction with members of his cabinet is growing. Currently, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Faces particularly strong criticism, with a 39% approval rating as of February 21, 2026.
A Crisis of Confidence in Institutions
The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. By President Trump is described as a poor decision with “terrible consequences.” However, the article stresses that attributing the current climate solely to the “MAGA” movement would be a mistake. A broader examination of how institutions have damaged their own credibility is needed to understand the present situation and prevent similar outcomes in the future.
COVID-19 and Eroding Trust
Initial public trust in institutions like the centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was high during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, approval of the COVID-19 response declined to 56% by 2025. Simultaneously, trust in doctors and hospitals fell from 70% in 2020 to just 40% in 2025.
This decline in trust is linked to perceived inconsistencies in public health guidance. While initial restrictions were broadly accepted, the subsequent suggestion that those same guidelines could be disregarded during protests sparked confusion and eroded confidence. The article highlights instances where the medical community publicly dismissed the lab leak theory as a racist conspiracy, despite internal acknowledgement of its plausibility, only for it to later become a “entirely plausible” origin of COVID-19, and even “the most likely” by some accounts.
Shifting Perspectives on Transgender Healthcare
Beyond the pandemic, the article points to a shift in the conversation surrounding transgender healthcare, particularly for minors. Over the past decade, the American medical establishment had built a consensus supporting gender-affirming care for minors, which was then used to challenge conservative viewpoints.
However, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has recently issued guidance against transgender surgeries for minors, and the American Medical Association appears to be reconsidering its previous stance. Public opinion is also shifting, with nearly 60% of Americans supporting sex-based athletic competition and about half favoring restrictions on medical care for transitioning minors.
The Response to Institutional Perceptions
The article suggests that the “MAGA” and “Make America Healthy Again” movements have capitalized on the perceived mishandling of COVID-19 and other issues to challenge the medical establishment. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Is described as contributing to a decline in faith in vaccinations and spreading misinformation about autism.
The author emphasizes that the current situation is not solely the fault of the Trump administration or the “MAGA” movement. Rather, it is a consequence of pre-existing dissatisfaction with the way institutions were managed, creating an opening for alternative approaches that prioritize dismantling established systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s current approval rating?
As of February 21, 2026, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Has a 39% approval rating.
What happened to public trust in the CDC during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Public support for the CDC’s response to COVID-19 decreased from 79% in March 2020 to 56% in 2025.
What shift is occurring regarding transgender healthcare for minors?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has issued guidance against surgeries for minors, and the American Medical Association appears to be softening its stance on the issue, following a decade of consensus supporting such care.
Given the complex interplay between public trust, institutional credibility, and political forces, what steps can be taken to rebuild confidence in scientific and medical expertise?