Why does Donald Trump want to limit childhood vaccines, and does it risk alienating voters in key districts ahead of the midterm elections?
On Monday, Donald Trump signed a new executive order from the Oval Office that calls for fewer childhood vaccines and also recommends splitting the mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) shots. He criticized vaccines for children that were “the size of a soda bottle” alongside his health secretary, RFK Jr, whose supporters helped Donald Trump win back the White House on the back of the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ movement.
The president has long cast doubt on the safety of MMR vaccines despite the fact multiple studies have found no connection between the shots and autism. Medical experts have criticised the new order and said it could reduce vaccination rates and expose children to harmful diseases.
Anthony, Marianna and Sarah look at the reasons why discredited claims on the MMR vaccine have been given new life by parts of the MAHA movement and whether Monday’s executive order is an attempt by the White House to win back voters who have been disappointed by other areas of the president’s healthcare agenda. But with some advisers within Donald Trump’s team concerned that vaccine skepticism could cost them votes in key districts, how much of a risk is Donald Trump taking over childhood vaccines?
HOSTS:
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
• Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent
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This episode was made by George Dabby and Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
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