WASHINGTON — President Trump’s anti-vaccine comments on Monday signal health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s growing influence — and raise new questions about how far the pair may go to upend vaccine policy.
Standing with Kennedy beside him at the White House, Trump called the childhood vaccine schedule a “disgrace” and railed against the practice of vaccinating children early on in life, with multiple shots at each doctor’s visit. If the health care industry was still hoping for daylight between Trump and Kennedy on vaccines, the president’s comments on Monday were a harsh awakening.
During the event, held to announce that officials were tying the use of Tylenol in pregnancy to autism, Trump and Kennedy acted like old friends. Trump recalled meeting Kennedy in his office more than two decades ago, referred to him as “Bobby,” and patted him on the back when ceding the lectern.
This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers
Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+.
Already have an account? Log in