Kennedy’s new vaccine panel lacks experience and shouldn’t meet, Sen. Cassidy says
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Cassidy Calls for Delay of Kennedy's Vaccine Panel Meeting
Above: Sen. Bill Cassidy asks question during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Finance Committee on March 14, 2025. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Reconstituting the ACIP along the lines envisioned by RFK. Jr. was essential to restore public trust in the health agencies. Given the Biden administration’s efforts to embed ideology into public health institutions, the only way the Trump administration could prove that its health and vaccine policy is motivated by science alone was by removing the ideological appointees.
Narrative B
The ACIP is too small, too inexperienced, and too narrow-minded in its medical biases to progress with Wednesday’s meeting. Should it proceed, its conclusions and recommendations would be met with skepticism at best, undermining the administration. RFK. JR., therefore, must wait until the ACIP is staffed with qualified individuals and a CDC director is confirmed.
Metaculus Prediction
Editor's Note
This story currently has limited reporting from right-wing sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.