With the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump just around the corner, the nation is watching closely as he selects members for his administration’s cabinet. The appointments are shaping up to be both notable and controversial, reflecting a diverse mix of political, business, and government figures.
Elon Musk, Matt Gaetz, Marco Rubio, and Tulsi Gabbard are among the high-profile names that will take on new positions within the Trump administration when the president-elect is sworn in next year. But perhaps the most eye-catching and debated nomination is that of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is expected to be chosen as the new head of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The choice of Kennedy, a former political opponent of Trump, has raised eyebrows, given his controversial views on vaccines. Known for his outspoken skepticism regarding vaccine safety, Kennedy’s appointment would likely generate debate in the health and scientific communities, as well as among the general public.
Despite his polarizing stance, Kennedy appears to have the support of at least one prominent figure in the sports world. On Thursday evening, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert took to social media to express his support for the potential cabinet pick. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Gobert shared, “Let’s go @RobertKennedyJr,” suggesting his endorsement of the decision.
Gobert’s public support for Kennedy has taken many by surprise, especially given his own experiences with COVID-19. Back in March 2020, Gobert was the first NBA player to test positive for the virus, a diagnosis that led to the suspension of the NBA season and served as a wake-up call to the sports world regarding the seriousness of the pandemic.
Just days before his positive test, Gobert had infamously downplayed the severity of the virus, jokingly touching reporters’ microphones during a press conference—a move that, in retrospect, made him a subject of intense criticism. His actions at the time upset some of his Utah Jazz teammates and earned him widespread backlash. Gobert eventually issued a public apology on social media, acknowledging his mistake and calling his actions “careless,” but the incident became a lasting symbol of the early confusion surrounding COVID-19.
Given this history, Gobert’s endorsement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a figure associated with vaccine skepticism, has surprised fans and critics alike.
Some see the endorsement as a sign of Gobert’s evolving views on public health, while others remain unsure of his motivations. Regardless, his public support has added to the intrigue surrounding Kennedy’s potential appointment.
RELATED: Rudy Gobert Takes a Swing at Christian Braun After Getting Dunked On
Kennedy’s nomination as the head of Health and Human Services is significant, as the department plays a key role in shaping national health policy, overseeing medical research, and managing public health programs.
His stance on vaccines and his emphasis on reducing the influence of chemicals and pollutants have made him a divisive figure, but also one who has garnered the attention of those seeking to address America’s chronic health challenges.
In a post on X announcing Kennedy’s expected appointment, President-elect Donald Trump expressed his confidence in Kennedy’s ability to lead HHS. “The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives that have contributed to the overwhelming Health Crisis in this Country,” Trump wrote.
“Mr. Kennedy will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!” Trump’s statement emphasized the importance of addressing the nation’s health issues through a combination of traditional values and renewed focus on public well-being.
While Kennedy’s appointment is still pending, the discussions surrounding his potential role reflect broader debates about the direction of health policy under the Trump administration.
For many, the nomination signals a departure from conventional approaches, focusing on transparency and reducing corporate influence in public health decisions.
As the nation continues to react to the latest cabinet picks, Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves are also gearing up for their next matchup.
The Timberwolves currently hold a 6-6 record this season. On Friday, they will travel to Sacramento to face the Kings in Minnesota’s second NBA Cup game. For Gobert, it seems, the excitement of the basketball season is matched by his interest in the evolving political landscape—a reminder that athletes are not just figures on the court, but individuals engaged in the broader conversations shaping society.
