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.

"We have a generational opportunity to bring together the greatest minds in science, medicine, industry, and government to put an end to the chronic disease epidemic," Kennedy said.