WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has privately pressured Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to move faster in reducing the number of vaccines recommended for children, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Trump reportedly confronted Kennedy during a May lunch and again during a June Oval Office meeting, questioning why the department had not done more to investigate an alleged connection between vaccines and autism. Kennedy was reportedly surprised because White House political advisers had urged him to moderate his vaccine rhetoric before the midterm elections.
Extensive research has found no causal connection between childhood vaccines and autism. Large studies have also found no association between the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and autism.
Trump reportedly believes reducing recommended vaccinations could eventually lower autism rates. His administration has already pursued changes to federal vaccine guidance, although some initiatives have faced legal and political resistance.
The Journal also reported that Trump has grown frustrated with Kennedy’s broader progress after 18 months in office. Dr. Mehmet Oz, who leads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, is reportedly viewed inside the administration as a possible successor.
Trump frequently consults Oz on health matters beyond his agency’s responsibilities, while Kennedy has indicated that he intends to remain health secretary.
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