President-elect Donald Trump announced that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will investigate a potential link between childhood vaccines and autism. In an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, Trump expressed concern over the rising rates of autism diagnoses in the United States and called for answers on the cause.
“When you look at some of the problems, when you look at what’s going on with disease and sickness in our country, something’s wrong,” Trump said. He noted that autism was once rare but is now diagnosed in approximately 1 in 36 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Trump stated he was “open to anything” when asked if Kennedy, his choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, would investigate the matter. He suggested potential causes beyond vaccines, saying, “Maybe it’s chlorine in the water.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his skepticism about vaccine safety, has previously promoted theories that contradict the scientific consensus. The overwhelming majority of research shows no link between vaccines and autism. Health experts, including the CDC, have found vaccines to be safe and crucial for preventing deadly diseases.
Trump clarified that he is not against all vaccines, praising the polio vaccine as “the greatest thing.” He added, “Certain vaccines are incredible. But maybe some aren’t. And if they aren’t, we have to find out.”
Autism diagnoses have risen significantly in recent decades. In 2000, the CDC reported a rate of 1 in 150 children. Today, the rate stands at 1 in 36. Scientists attribute the increase to broader diagnostic criteria and greater awareness, not vaccines.
Trump’s decision to involve Kennedy signals a potential shift in health policy, raising concerns among medical professionals who fear that vaccine skepticism could undermine public health efforts.
