The news prompted a sell-off across the industry. In the US, shares in Pfizer and Moderna sank more than 5% in early trading, while UK-listed firms AstraZeneca and GSK dropped 2% or more. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the pick had “spooked” shareholders, despite questions about how the new administration might pursue its threats.

Kennedy Jr. suggested that the COVID-19 virus was engineered to give Chinese and Ashkenazi Jewish people immunity and the FDA "suppresses" advancements in human health.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to revisit federal vaccine recommendations, take fluoride out of public water and boost access to raw milk, among other goals.