Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) sharply criticized an executive order signed by President Trump on Monday, August 10, 2026, which mandates splitting the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three separate visits. Cassidy, who is a physician, stated that the President lacks the expertise to make such changes and emphasized that vaccines are overwhelmingly safe and effective.

Cassidy took to the social platform X shortly after the order was signed to assert, “Vaccines DO NOT cause autism.” He further warned that breaking up vaccines would result in children receiving more shots to achieve the same protection, not fewer.

This executive order follows an earlier attempt in January by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reduce the number of childhood vaccines, which was blocked by a judge in March. The current order also aligns with efforts by Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reshape and reduce childhood vaccination schedules amid claims linking increased vaccine rates to autism diagnoses.

Medical experts have expressed concern that splitting the MMR vaccine could leave children vulnerable to infectious diseases for longer periods. Additionally, questions have been raised about Erica Schwartz’s leadership of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), particularly regarding her ability to shield the agency from political interference and resist unsupported directives from Kennedy.

Last week, Cassidy also criticized Trump in a speech where he announced support for Trump’s pick for attorney general, Todd Blanche.

Sources