RFK Jr. Minimizes Vaccine Controversies as Trump Sets Sights on Midterms

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has been on a nationwide “Take Back Your Health” Tour since January, yet his discussions around vaccine policies have notably diminished. This shift comes as the Trump administration grapples with concerns that their vaccine strategies might alienate voters ahead of the midterm elections.

During recent events, Kennedy has emphasized more favorable aspects of the Make America Health Again (MAHA) agenda, steering clear of contentious vaccine topics.

This week, he made headlines at a renowned Texas barbecue joint, advocating for a diet rich in “real” food while encouraging Americans to reduce their intake of processed ingredients.

Earlier in the month, a stop in Tennessee saw Kennedy discussing initiatives aimed at enhancing rural health and integrating artificial intelligence into healthcare programs.

“Vaccines are not popular issues to talk about,” an unnamed administration official remarked, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding the topic. “It goes back to polling.”

Despite these concerns, the White House has denied any formal alteration in messaging, asserting that their agenda possesses “mass appeal.”

“The Trump administration will be aggressively showcasing our MAHA wins on the road to remind the American people of how we continue to break Washington, D.C.’s broken status quo to deliver meaningful change,” stated White House spokesman Kush Desai.

Republican allies have cautioned for months regarding the potential political fallout from the administration’s vaccine-related decisions, which include significantly reducing the childhood vaccine schedule and slashing funding for vaccine research. Additionally, the president has made unfounded claims regarding vaccine safety.

“Policies related to vaccines and vaccine safety need to be addressed carefully and with nuance,” wrote Todd Lyons, president of the RFK-aligned MAHA Action advocacy group, in a memo dated February 11. “That’s because, overall, a slim majority of voters are not convinced there are negative health impacts from vaccines.”

In December, Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio labeled the elimination of certain vaccine recommendations as “politically risky.”

Polling data supports this caution. A recent KFF poll revealed that among those aware of the Trump administration's vaccine changes, a significant majority believe these policies could jeopardize children’s health.

“Six years ago, 85% of Americans, and 90% of Republicans, trusted the CDC. Now less than half trust the CDC on vaccines,” commented KFF President and CEO Drew Altman. “The wars over COVID, science, and vaccines have left the country without a trusted national voice on vaccines, and that trust will take time to restore.”

In response to these challenges, the administration has pivoted to highlight other facets of its health agenda in prominent venues.

A MAHA-aligned group even aired a Super Bowl advertisement featuring Mike Tyson to promote Trump’s healthy eating initiative.

“It’s an extraordinarily powerful ad,” Kennedy told Fox News regarding the commercial. “I think it’s the most important ad in Super Bowl history.”

Kennedy has also produced public service announcements, including an unusual video showcasing him working out shirtless alongside Kid Rock and taking an ice plunge while dressed in jeans.