In a recent CNN interview, Howard Lutnick, co-chair of Donald Trump’s transition team, expressed skepticism about vaccine safety. When discussing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s potential appointment to a key health position if Trump wins the upcoming election, Collins firmly stated that “vaccines are safe.” Lutnick challenged her, questioning, “Why do you think vaccines are safe?” He pointed out that “there’s no product liability anymore,” to which Collins replied that vaccines are well-tested and that children are typically fine after receiving them.
During a livestream event, Kennedy claimed Trump had promised him control over public health agencies, including HHS and USDA, stressing their importance for the country’s health. Lutnick went on to say that he and Collins are aware of more autism cases now than in their youth, a claim Collins quickly countered by asserting that vaccines do not cause autism, referencing Kennedy’s controversial stance on the issue.
Kennedy, who previously suspended his independent presidential campaign to endorse Trump, leads an anti-vaccine organization known as Children’s Health Defense. The Trump campaign has yet to confirm Kennedy’s statements about a potential role in a future administration. However, Trump mentioned at a rally that he would allow Kennedy “to go wild on the medicine” if elected.
Concerns about Kennedy’s possible influence on public health policy have been voiced by health experts. Dr. Jerome Adams, former U.S. surgeon general, warned that if Kennedy holds a significant role in the next administration, it could diminish public willingness to get vaccination updates, ultimately harming national health and security. Adams shared these worries at a recent conference in Minneapolis.
Update 10/30/24, 11:10 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and background.