GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana urged President Trump to be “radically honest” about vaccines amid a measles outbreak. The U.S. has recorded the most measles cases in more than three decades this year.
Cassidy made his remarks on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” where he called for the president to stop making unsupported claims about the MMR vaccine.
The Measles Cases
The U.S. has recorded the most measles cases in more than three decades this year. Cassidy cited recent measles-related deaths, including a 40-year-old and an 18-year-old.
Cassidy’s Warning
Cassidy warned that the president’s claims about vaccines are not harmless. He compared measles to drunk driving: “You can drink and get drunk, but if you drive, you’re going to hurt other people.”
He also said that having measles is not a kind of victimless experience.
Trump’s Lethality Claim
Trump has cast doubt on vaccines, including an executive order last month suggesting the MMR vaccine should be given as three separate shots. At a press conference, Trump claimed without evidence that the MMR vaccine, if not separated, could be “lethal.”
Cassidy questioned the claim directly. He asked, “Have you ever seen a case of lethality?” and “Why do you think this vaccine is lethal?”
The Vaccine Schedule
Cassidy said the current MMR regimen “has been timed to be most convenient to the parent.” He urged the president to explain his position at the hearing for FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton.
Cassidy said he needs to hear that Overton understands the lethal claim is absurd and that the country needs radical honesty.
Saphier’s Vote
Cassidy pointed to the nominee for surgeon general, Nicole Saphier, who said in a committee hearing last week that the MMR vaccine is not lethal while encouraging vaccination. Cassidy said Saphier earned his vote.
“When somebody is willing to be honest to the American people and say that vaccines are safe, you should be taking it, and the consequence of not can even include death, well, what else can you ask for when it comes to vaccines?” he said.
Trump’s Plan
Trump said he is going to “demand” drug companies split up kids’ vaccines into five doses given in six-month intervals. On Friday in the Oval Office, he said the vaccine size will be “much, much less” and that it will lead “to a massive reduction in autism.”
He also said, “So instead of having a massive dose of 82 or 88 different vaccines pumped into your arm, we’ll take out certain vaccines that people are a little worried about.”
Cassidy’s Bottom Line
Cassidy said Mr. Trump’s claim that the MMR vaccine, if not separated, could be “lethal” is absurd and demanded the president explain his position.
Cassidy said Trump needs to be radically honest about vaccines.
Comparing the Claims
| Claim | Who Made It | Response |
|---|---|---|
| MMR as three separate shots | Trump, through executive order | Cassidy calls it absurd, demands an explanation |
| MMR as lethal if not separated | Trump | Cassidy asks “Have you ever seen a case of lethality?” |
| Measles deaths cited | Cassidy | None given |
The comparison shows the gap between Trump’s assertions and the skepticism they have drawn from a sitting senator.
See the video the story is built around at CBS News.
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