Trump Says RFK Jr. Will Investigate Link Between Vaccines and Autism
President-elect Donald Trump Suggests Investigation into Discredited Connection
President-elect Donald Trump has suggested that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his pick to run Health and Human Services, will investigate the supposed link between autism and childhood vaccines, a discredited connection that has eroded trust in the lifesaving inoculations.
Trump’s Comments
In an exclusive interview with “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker, Trump said, “I think somebody has to find out.” Welker noted that studies have shown childhood vaccines prevent about 4 million deaths worldwide every year, have found no connection between vaccines and autism, and that rises in autism diagnoses are attributable to increased screening and awareness. Trump claimed, “If you go back 25 years ago, you had very little autism. Now you have it.”
RFK Jr.’s Background
Kennedy, the onetime independent presidential candidate who backed Trump after leaving the race, generated a large following through his widespread skepticism of the American health care and food system. A major component of that has been his false claims linking autism to childhood vaccinations. Kennedy is the founder of a prominent anti-vaccine activist group, Children’s Health Defense.
The Agency’s Role
The agency Trump has tasked him with running supports and funds research into autism, as well as possible new vaccines.
The Debunked Link
The debunked link between autism and childhood vaccines, particularly the inoculation against mumps, measles, and rubella, was first claimed in 1998 by a British doctor who was later banned from practicing medicine in the United Kingdom. His research was found to be critically flawed and was subsequently retracted. Hundreds of studies have found childhood vaccines to be safe.
Autism Diagnoses
Autism diagnoses have risen from about 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 36 today, though researchers have pointed to increased screening and changing definitions of the condition as the basis for that rise. Scientists have found a strong genetic link to the complex disorder, with many risk factors occurring before birth or during delivery.
Trump’s Views
Trump, too, has for years suggested a link between autism and vaccines. “Hey, look, I’m not against vaccines,” Trump said during the interview with Welker. “The polio vaccine is the greatest thing. If somebody told me, ‘Get rid of the polio vaccine,’ they’re going to have to work real hard to convince me. I think vaccines are — certain vaccines — are incredible, but maybe some aren’t. And if they aren’t, we have to find out.”
Conclusion
Trump’s comments suggest that he is willing to entertain the discredited link between autism and vaccines, despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary. This shift in tone is concerning, as it may undermine public trust in vaccines and contribute to the spread of preventable diseases.
FAQs
Q: What is the supposed link between autism and vaccines?
A: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others claim that vaccines, particularly the inoculation against mumps, measles, and rubella, cause autism.
Q: Is this link supported by scientific evidence?
A: No, hundreds of studies have found no connection between vaccines and autism.
Q: Why have autism diagnoses increased?
A: Researchers attribute the rise in autism diagnoses to increased screening and changing definitions of the condition.
Q: What is the genetic link to autism?
A: Scientists have found a strong genetic link to the complex disorder, with many risk factors occurring before birth or during delivery.
