The selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) sent shock waves through the pharmaceutical industry.

But many of the industry sources and outside lobbyists who spoke to The Hill said they are not prepared to outright oppose Kennedy, at least for now.

Lobbyists said they anticipated Kennedy would get some kind of role in the administration but were surprised at his being picked for HHS secretary. They are now scrambling to figure out what kind of damage Kennedy could inflict were he to be confirmed.

“Striking at the heart of a science-based industry like this by saying nonsensical stuff and actually having power to do something about it is bad news,” said a lobbyist who works for drug companies. “I think right now they're in sort of like 'holy s--- mode.'"

Kennedy argues the rise of chronic diseases in America can be traced to ultraprocessed foods, environmental toxins and chemical additives. He wants to ban fluoridated water and increase access to raw milk.

Even before Kennedy was officially tapped to lead the nation’s top health agency, public health experts were worried that he could amplify vaccine hesitancy and direct agency funding to favor his preferred views.

Still, lobbyists said they are advising clients to let the nomination play out among Senate Republicans. They are preaching patience, as they don't want to risk expending political capital to wind up on President-elect Trump's bad side before he even takes office.

“A lot of companies are going to be reluctant to engage in........

© The Hill