For the first time in modern American history, a skeptic of medical research could be responsible for safeguarding public health.

Kennedy's condition is called spasmodic dysphonia, which is a neurologic disorder that can affect the voice and speech by causing the muscles that generate a person’s voice to go into periods of spasm, according to Penn Medicine. It is a lifelong condition, but can be improved with treatment in some cases, according to Penn Medicine.

If approved, Kennedy will control a $1.7 trillion agency that oversees food and hospital inspections, hundreds of health clinics, vaccine recommendations and health insurance for roughly half the country.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a former presidential candidate and environmental activist, endorsed Donald Trump last year and threw his weight behind a campaign to “Make America Healthy Again.” For the past two decades he has been best known for airing skeptical views on vaccines.

Ever wondered why Robert Kennedy Jr.'s voice sounds unusual? He was diagnosed with a neurological disorder that impacts vocal cords. What to know.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. explains why his voice sounds raspy and strained, causing difficulty when he speaks. Here's more about spasmodic dyshphonia

Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological condition that causes certain muscles in the “voice box,” or larynx, to spasm, often making the voice sound raspy, strained or breathy. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. started developing symptoms of the condition in 1996,

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has a disorder called spasmodic dysphonia that makes it sound like his voice is shaking. He has said the neurological disease began to affect him when he was 42. “I have a tremble in my