Kennedy Assures Vaccine Skeptics of Support From Trump’s Team
WHO:
USA Today - Dr. Nicole Saphier is President Trump's latest pick for the U.S. surgeon general role.
ABC News - Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed anti-vaccine activists from Children's Health Defense, an organization he once chaired.
ABC News - Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed the vaccine-skeptic group Children's Health Defense.
WHAT:
USA Today - During her confirmation hearing, Saphier stated, "I do not believe childhood vaccines cause autism."
USA Today - Saphier emphasized that the MMR vaccine is "our greatest tool for combating measles."
ABC News - Kennedy stated that the group "have a friend in the White House" in President Trump, indicating support for their views.
ABC News - Kennedy told the group that they "have a friend in the White House" in President Trump.
WHERE:
ABC News - The remarks were made to the vaccine-skeptic group Children's Health Defense, which is based in the United States.
WHEN:
USA Today - The confirmation hearing took place on September 16, 2026.
WHY:
USA Today - Saphier's comments reflect ongoing public debate on vaccines amid rising measles cases and vaccine hesitancy.
ABC News - Kennedy's remarks suggest alignment with the vaccine skepticism movement within the current administration.
ABC News - Kennedy's statement indicates support for vaccine skepticism within the current administration, aligning with the views of the group he addressed.
HOW:
USA Today - Saphier responded to questions from committee chair Sen. Bill Cassidy regarding the safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine.
(UPDATED September 18, 2026 02:08 UTC)
Dr. Nicole Saphier is President Trump's latest pick for the U.S. surgeon general role, and during her recent confirmation hearing, she stated, "I do not believe childhood vaccines cause autism," while emphasizing that the MMR vaccine is "our greatest tool for combating measles." Her comments come amid ongoing public debate on vaccines, particularly with rising measles cases and vaccine hesitancy. Saphier addressed questions from committee chair Sen. Bill Cassidy regarding the safety and efficacy of the MMR vaccine during the hearing.
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(UPDATED September 17, 2026 23:58 UTC)
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently spoke to anti-vaccine activists from Children's Health Defense, an organization he previously led. During his address, he mentioned that the group "have a friend in the White House," referring to President Trump and indicating support for their views. Kennedy's comments reflect a growing alignment with the vaccine skepticism movement within the current administration.
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(UPDATED September 17, 2026 22:59 UTC)
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently addressed the vaccine-skeptic group Children's Health Defense, telling them that they "have a friend in the White House" in President Trump. His remarks suggest a level of support for vaccine skepticism within the current administration, aligning with the views of the group he spoke to. This event highlights the ongoing conversation around vaccine policies and public health in the United States.