Rep. Robert Garcia calls RFK Jr.'s nomination for health secretary "insane" and predicts it will lead to loss of lives.

President-elect Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for health secretary was criticized by some lawmakers and public health leaders.

U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., described the decision as "completely insane."

"The appointment of RFK as Health Secretary is "insane," he wrote on X. "He's a vaccine denier and a tin foil hat conspiracy theorist. He will destroy our public health infrastructure and our vaccine distribution systems. This will cost lives.""

Garcia's office was not immediately available for comment.

Kennedy announced his plans to address various issues if he is confirmed by the Senate to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

He pledged to combat corruption, break the cycle of industry-government ties, and restore the integrity of health agencies by adhering to scientific standards. He promised to give Americans the information they need to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

As a critic of vaccines, Kennedy gained notoriety while expressing reservations about their effects.

Madhukar Pai, head of McGill University's Global and Public Health Department in Montreal, Canada, stated that Kennedy's appointment could be a significant hindrance to global vaccination efforts, similar to the impact of Andrew Wakefield's research linking vaccines to autism, which was later proven false.

During a hearing, the former mayor of Long Beach, who served on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, previously described Kennedy as a threat to public health.

The idea of appointing someone without scientific or medical qualifications, who has been falsely claiming for decades that vaccines cause autism, and has made outrageous comments about science and medicine, to lead the NIH is disgraceful, he stated.

"It is alarming that RFK Jr. could be appointed as the head of health, given his stance as a vaccine denier and the harm he has caused to the American public."

Kennedy's nomination was "shocking" according to Donna Shalala, the longest serving HHS secretary.

She stated that Kennedy is unqualified and a know-nothing, posing a threat to the health and well-being of all Americans.

Although there was opposition, Kennedy still has backers. Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, urged Kennedy to modify his approach at HHS and the FDA.

Kennedy has been advocated for healthy foods and transparent public health infrastructure by Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican.

Cassidy wrote on X that he anticipates gaining insight into his other policy views and how they align with a conservative, pro-American agenda.

In 2008, Barack Obama reportedly considered naming Kennedy to head the Environmental Protection Agency.