health

RFK Jr.'s quiet hunt for autism culprits stalls as Trump orders baseless changes to childhood shots

August 17, 2026 / 5:00 AM EDT / KFF Health News

RFK Jr.'s quiet hunt for autism culprits stalls as Trump orders baseless changes to childhood shots

TL;DR

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been actively seeking the causes of autism.
  • His investigative efforts have faced considerable challenges.
  • Former President Donald Trump directed changes to childhood vaccination schedules.
  • These changes were reportedly based on baseless claims.
  • The presidential intervention has stalled ongoing research related to autism.
  • Concerns have been raised regarding the impact on public health initiatives.