STAT+: With Trump’s anti-vaccine comments, Kennedy’s influence grows

Chelsea Cirruzzo serves as a correspondent at STAT, focusing on health and human services. Reach out to Chelsea on Signal at chelseacirruzzo.42.

Daniel Payne analyzes the interactions between the healthcare sector and Washington. He has been with STAT since 2025 and previously contributed to POLITICO. Reach out to Daniel on Signal at danielp.100.

WASHINGTON — Recent remarks by President Trump regarding vaccines have underscored the increasing sway of health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stirring fresh debates about potential changes to vaccination protocols.

During a White House event alongside Kennedy, Trump labeled the existing childhood vaccine schedule as a “disgrace,” voicing his discontent about the early administration of multiple shots to children during medical visits. This moment marked a significant turning point, dispelling any lingering hopes within the healthcare sector for a divergence between Trump and Kennedy on vaccine matters.

While addressing the audience, which was convened for a discussion on the correlation between Tylenol usage in pregnancy and autism, Trump fondly reminisced about his long-standing acquaintance with Kennedy, mentioning their first meeting over two decades ago. He has taken to calling him “Bobby” and displayed a warm camaraderie, even giving him a supportive pat on the back as he passed the lectern.