Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

White House Mulls Vaccine-Autism Executive Order, Aides Warn Election Risk

8/7/2026

26 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

White House is weighing an executive order on vaccines and autism, officials said.
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to prioritize vaccine scrutiny and autism research, and claimed a possible vaccine-autism link in a May interview with Sharyl Attkisson.
Aides warn that raising the issue could hurt Republican chances in the November midterm elections.

1 of 1

Story summary

White House is weighing an executive order on vaccines and autism, officials said.
U.S. President Donald Trump has urged HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to prioritize vaccine scrutiny and autism research, and claimed a possible vaccine-autism link in a May interview with Sharyl Attkisson.
Aides warn that raising the issue could hurt Republican chances in the November midterm elections.