Ron DeSantis Demands Joseph Ladapo as HHS Secretary in Trump's Administration
- Ron DeSantis announced his support for Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo as a candidate for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Ladapo has publicly stated his opposition to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, aligning with DeSantis's health policy stance.
- The move indicates a potential shift in U.S. health policy direction following Trump's election victory.
On November 7, 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis promoted Dr. Joseph Ladapo, the state surgeon general, as a candidate for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary position under President-elect Donald Trump. DeSantis expressed this support via a post on X, which received substantial engagement. In the post, DeSantis emphasized the need for a leader who upholds health freedoms and advocates against government overreach regarding vaccines. Ladapo echoed these sentiments, criticizing current guidelines from federal health agencies regarding COVID-19 vaccines. He expressed concerns about the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines and highlighted the growing immunity rates observed in the population. The implications of this endorsement suggest a continued push for alternative health policies in alignment with DeSantis's and Ladapo's views. This promotion comes in the wake of Trump's electoral victory, showcasing a strategic alliance among key political figures in Florida aiming to influence national health policies.