Trump backs R.F.K. Jr.'s vaccination despite public health and political risks

Trump defends controversial health secretary

President Donald Trump is standing firmly behind Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., even as Kennedy faces bipartisan criticism over his handling of U.S. vaccine policy.

Source:Ai

Since taking office, Kennedy has:

• Cut federal funding for vaccine research
• Limited access to COVID-19 vaccines
• Removed the CDC director, hampering vaccination policy guidance

The moves have worried public health experts, who warn that declining vaccination rates could lead to new disease outbreaks.

A big gamble for Trump

Trump's loyalty to Kennedy signals a political gamble that could affect both healthcare outcomes and the 2024 election landscape.

He's a very good man ... and he has great intentions. I like the fact that he's different," Trump said at the White House.

While Democrats criticize Kennedy’s policies, some Republicans also worry about alienating pro-vaccine voters.

Trump’s complicated relationship with vaccines

Trump has a mixed record on vaccines:

• He launched Operation Warp Speed ​​, which is credited with accelerating COVID-19 vaccine development.
• Yet he has been hesitant to support mandates, reflecting skepticism among his conservative base.

Recent polling shows:

• 75% of Democrats believe vaccines are “very safe” for children (up from 64% in 2020).
• 41% of Republicans believe the same (down from 57% in 2020).

Statistics confirm vaccines save lives

Despite the political debate, the science is clear. A Yale University study found:

• COVID-19 vaccines prevented 18.5 million people from being hospitalized
• 3.2 million lives saved between 2020 and 2022

Still, Trump has demanded that vaccine companies publicly prove their benefits, fueling skepticism among his supporters.

The political consequences could be costly

During a heated congressional hearing this week, bipartisan lawmakers peppered Kennedy with sharp questions. Even Republican polls show that more than 80% of Trump voters want guidance on vaccines from scientists, not politicians.

Still, Trump is determined to keep Kennedy in office, as he sees him as a symbol of dissent against traditional institutions.

Some analysts warn that this alliance could backfire:

They made this marriage of convenience, and now it will have devastating public health consequences,” said Gregg Gonsalves, an epidemiologist at Yale University.

Trump's Endorsement of Kennedy: A Risky Political Move

Trump's decision to endorse Kennedy underscores that he is willing to take political risks that could reshape the nation's healthcare system. Whether this strategy will bolster his populist appeal or lead to public health and political consequences remains to be seen.