Trump administration reportedly preparing order on vaccines and autism
The Trump administration may issue an executive order on vaccines and autism as early as next week, Reuters reports, driven by the president's personal interest despite studies finding no link.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to issue an executive order addressing vaccines and autism, possibly as soon as next week, according to Reuters, which cited an anonymous source.
The source said the push is being driven by Trump's own personal interest in taking further action on autism-related issues. The administration, under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has commissioned new research into a possible link between vaccination and autism, even though large-scale studies conducted over the past two decades, involving millions of people, have found no such connection.
White House position
White House spokesman Kush Desai said the president has made clear that America needs the best childhood vaccination schedule in the world. He said the administration remains committed to the president's priorities and to answering the concerns of parents who feel their questions about vaccines have been ignored or dismissed.
Political pressure
Some of Trump's political advisers, worried about potential damage to Republicans, have urged Kennedy to avoid vaccine-related topics at least until the November midterm elections. Despite this, Trump's determination to move forward with the order reportedly has not wavered. He is said to continue privately pressing Kennedy on the matter, asking about progress and whether the health secretary will be able to demonstrate a link to autism.
Last year, Trump claimed that vaccines and the use of paracetamol during pregnancy were linked to autism spectrum disorders, statements that lack scientific support. Kennedy has long been known as a vaccine skeptic who has claimed there are no safe vaccines. In March, a court ruling blocked his attempt to rewrite US vaccine policy.
