Kennedy, known as a persistent critic of vaccine safety and a booster of conspiracy theories, said it is a possibility he would be given a job requiring Senate confirmation.

Now it’s being called out by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. —possibly on track to become head of health initiatives for the incoming presidential administration—as a practice that should be halted. He recently asserted that Donald Trump would push to remove fluoride from drinking water on his first day in office.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who may play a key role in overseeing health care in a second Trump administration, spoke to NBC News’ Vaughn Hillyard about his current views on vaccines, fluoride in water, and more.

Some health experts say Kennedy, even in an informal role, could potentially lead to real consequences for patients, drugmakers and the nation's public health.