Fluoride Controversy and the 2024 US Presidential Election: Kennedy, Trump, and Health Policy Debates

Fluoride is a type of mineral that is frequently added to the water source in many communities for preventive purposes of tooth decay, and it is endorsed by many health professionals.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former independent candidate in the US presidential elections, accused Donald Trump of wanting to take fluoride out of the water supply on the first day of his presidency on the eve of the polls.

Kennedy wrote on X: "As of January 20, all water systems in the US will be directed by the White House to do away with fluoride." He said fluoride is toxic waste and mentioned some of its associated health hazards, including osteoporosis, developmental impairment, and IQ deficiency, and stated that both Trump and Melania Trump want to: “Make America Healthy Again.” Well, early tomorrow, yes, on January 20, the Trump White House will recommend all Americans and US water systems to stop adding fluoride chemicals to public water systems. Fluoride is an industrial waste linked to arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ reduction, neurodevelopmental deficits, and thyroid disease. The President of the United States, de facto, of

Kennedy’s remarks followed his efforts to promote the idea of Suriname, one of the major proponents of fluoridation, which is twinned in the imagination of the medical community. Trump once expressed his intentions to place Kennedy in charge of health care settings and now that he is aiming to be re-elected, he has been receptive to making changes.

Trump said during an interview with NBC News, “I haven’t spoken to him about it yet, but it sounds OK to me,” and later on in the interview he said, “It’s possible.”

In addition to this, Trump was happy to hear other opinions, describing Kennedy as “a very talented guy with strong views.”

What You Should Know About Fluoride

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, has been placed in most government water supply systems to prevent tooth decay and is recommended by many health organizations.

" “It is not a by-product of industry or anything like that.”

For a long period of time, dental practitioners have been advocating for the use of fluoride, claiming that it encourages the development of strong teeth and prevents chances of cavity formation.

However, the evidence which relates fluoride use with severe illnesses like cancer or neurological disorders is not strong and the studies seem inconclusive. “Kennedy's statements are inaccurate. Long-term studies have not established a connection between fluoridation of 

the water supply and any disease—osteoporosis, bone fractures, or progressive bone cancer,” stated Professor Loc Do from the University of Queensland.

Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approve fluoride's use. They recommend a threshold dose of 1.5 mg for drinking water. According to the CDC, fluoridation is among the top ten public health achievements in the 20th century.

A Possible Health Policy of Trump

The former president has in the past expressed interest in Kennedy's ideas, including other hot topics and controversy, such as, for example, vaccine policy.

Fragile vaccination trust is also apparent within Trump's base. When asked whether he hopes a few specific vaccines would be banned, Trump replied, “Well, I’m going to talk to Kennedy and talk to other people, and I’ll make a decision.”

In the meantime, elections in the USA are underway, with some global media predicting Donald Trump in 10 states while Kamala Harris is leading in five of them.

In terms of voters' colleges, which this election would decide, the former president stands at 137 votes, while Harris is 99. Each believes they are in contention for the magical 270 votes total the senators have.