Official announcements from the Department of Health and Human Services or federal government

Trump Nominates RFK Jr. to Investigate Vaccine-Autism Link, Open to Elimination

Dec 8, 2024, 03:08 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), sparking concerns within the public health community due to Kennedy's history of vaccine skepticism and his promotion of debunked conspiracy theories. Trump has announced that Kennedy will investigate the potential link between childhood vaccines and autism, as well as other possible causes. This move has raised questions about the future direction of federal health policy, particularly regarding vaccine safety and regulation. Health experts and media outlets have expressed worry over the implications of Kennedy's appointment, citing his past statements on vaccines, federal food regulations, and his skepticism about high medicine prices. Trump has indicated openness to eliminating childhood vaccines if they are found to be harmful, suggesting a significant shift in public health policy if these investigations lead to such conclusions. During an interview on Meet the Press, Trump was asked by Kristen Welker if he wants childhood vaccines to be eliminated, to which he responded, "If they're dangerous for the children," and mentioned the rise in autism rates from 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 100.