Story perspectives

Fifteen States Sue Trump Over Vaccine Policy Changes

2/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Fifteen states led by Democrats filed a lawsuit against U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to reverse changes to federal vaccine recommendations, including reducing diseases covered and replacing Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices members.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the administration for ignoring scientific evidence.
In a separate action, the administration sued the University of California for antisemitism, following months of tension over how the university handles Jewish student concerns.

History

Historical Context

Vaccine mandates in the U.S. have a long history, dating back to the 1850s when Massachusetts first required smallpox vaccinations for schoolchildren. By 2021, legal challenges emerged against mandates, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting ongoing tensions between public health policies and individual rights. The 2014 Disneyland measles outbreak prompted California to remove non-medical exemptions, highlighting the struggle for herd immunity amid rising vaccine hesitancy.

1 of 2

Story summary

Fifteen states led by Democrats filed a lawsuit against U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to reverse changes to federal vaccine recommendations, including reducing diseases covered and replacing Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices members.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the administration for ignoring scientific evidence.
In a separate action, the administration sued the University of California for antisemitism, following months of tension over how the university handles Jewish student concerns.

1 / 2