Trump Issues Controversial Order on Vaccines, Suggests Autism Link

President Trump issued an executive order on vaccines on Monday, suggesting a controversial link between the number or timing of vaccinations and rising autism rates. Despite scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause autism, the order proposes shrinking the number of universally recommended vaccines for children, splitting up the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) shot, and altering the recommendation process for various immunizations.

The administration would categorize vaccinations into three groups: all children, high-risk groups, and shared decision-making. The order also calls for studies on the timing and sequencing of core childhood vaccines and developing alternatives to aluminum adjuvants. Public health experts and medical groups have strongly criticized the order, warning that it could increase hesitancy, lead to more shots for the same protection, and potentially increase the risk of children contracting vaccine-preventable diseases.