President Donald Trump has defended his administration’s push to reduce childhood vaccine recommendations, describing babies receiving what he called a “vat of stuff” during routine immunizations.
Donald Trump drops comments on babies receiving vaccines
Speaking to reporters, Donald Trump expressed support for vaccines while questioning the current schedule administered to young children. “I look at these beautiful little babies, and they get a vat, like a big glass, of stuff pumped into their bodies,” Trump said. “I think it’s a very negative thing to do.”
The president stated he would prefer to see “much smaller shots” given over a longer period. He suggested such a change could lead to “a much better result with the autism,” repeating a theory that medical authorities have consistently rejected. Extensive scientific studies have found no link between vaccines and autism.
Trump clarified he does not oppose all vaccinations. “I believe in vaccines,” he said. “But I don’t believe that we have to have a mandate for all of them.” He described the polio vaccine as “amazing” but argued that administering immunizations in smaller quantities would be preferable.
The remarks came as Trump defended Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been criticised over his handling of vaccine policy. Katy Talento, a former White House health policy official from Trump’s first term, had said her job was to keep Kennedy “as far from the West Wing as possible.” Talento later apologized for the statement. Trump dismissed the criticism, saying Kennedy was performing well in his role.
Furthermore, the comments follow an appeal filed by the Trump administration in late April, seeking to overturn a court order that halted cuts to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule. U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy issued the order on March 16, blocking Kennedy’s decision to end broad recommendations for vaccinating all children against flu, rotavirus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, certain forms of meningitis, and RSV. The judge’s ruling also prevented a meeting of a vaccine advisory committee appointed by Kennedy.
Originally written by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory.
