On Sunday, August 2, 2026, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said that former President Donald Trump “certainly” wants him to investigate perceived links between autism and vaccines. Kennedy made the statement during a heated interview with CNN’s Dana Bash on "State of the Union," responding to whether the Wall Street Journal’s report that Trump wants Kennedy to "probe the link" was accurate.

Bash challenged Kennedy by noting that experts have studied the potential causes of autism for 25 years and found no link between autism and vaccines. She cited more than 40 studies involving 5.6 million people, referencing the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases. Kennedy attempted to bring up Tylenol, which the Trump administration linked to autism late last year, as an example of HHS work, but Bash expressed frustration.

Kennedy claimed that none of the eight vaccines administered during the first six months of life have ever been studied for a relationship to autism, adding that Bash’s reference pertained to an ingredient in the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The interview also included clashes over vaccine safety and COVID-19 health protocols. Kennedy accused Bash of being “part of the problem” and committing “absolute press malpractice” regarding the pandemic response. He further claimed that Americans had their constitutional rights violated in response to COVID-19.

Since Kennedy’s confirmation to lead HHS, messaging from federal health officials about autism and vaccines has been inconsistent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has walked back its longstanding position that vaccines do not cause autism on its online page debunking rumored links.

In contrast, National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya told senators in February that he has not seen any studies supporting the theory that vaccines cause autism, breaking with Kennedy’s stance.

Sources