Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., freshly confirmed by the U.S. Senate, announced plans to investigate potential links between childhood vaccinations, anti-depression medications, and the nation’s rise in chronic diseases. Speaking to a packed room of federal health workers, Kennedy vowed that “nothing is going to be off limits” in his investigation, which he described as a reassessment of matters previously considered settled science.

Kennedy’s speech, which included an invitation for selfies with staff, followed widespread firings and resignations at federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where approximately 700 employees were dismissed. Despite studies showing no link between vaccines, SSRIs, and chronic illnesses, Kennedy suggested these could be “possible factors” contributing to issues like autism and obesity, drawing criticism for potentially fueling public mistrust in these treatments.