Trump Considers Executive Order Investigating Vaccines and Autism

The Donald Trump administration is considering an executive order to investigate the root causes of autism, potentially as early as next week. The move follows a cabinet meeting at Camp David where the president prodded Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to launch the inquiry. The proposed order may establish research initiatives involving both forward-looking studies and backward-looking analyses.

White House spokesman Kush Desai stated the administration is committed to delivering a "Gold Standard Science" approach to childhood vaccine schedules. This initiative continues despite scientific evidence showing no link between vaccines and autism and warnings from political advisers that the issue could negatively impact Republicans in upcoming midterm elections.

Secretary Kennedy has previously faced legal challenges regarding vaccine policy. In March, a court blocked his efforts to rewrite national immunization policies and revamp the national advisory panel on immunizations.