Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) denounced a recent executive order by President Trump that seeks to alter the childhood vaccine schedule [1].
The criticism from a fellow Republican highlights growing internal friction over the administration's approach to public health and the potential political fallout of vaccine skepticism.
Speaking Sunday during an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, Cassidy said the foundations of the executive order are "crazy, stupid claims" [1]. He specifically addressed the lack of scientific backing for the order, saying there is no evidence whatsoever that vaccines cause autism [2].
Cassidy linked the administration's policy shift to a decline in public support for the president. He said the move is why the president's poll numbers are going down [1].
The senator's remarks come as the executive order attempts to modify the timing and requirements of vaccines administered to children in the U.S. Cassidy said the order is based on false claims rather than medical data [1].
While the administration has pushed for changes to the schedule, Cassidy's opposition underscores a divide between the White House and medical professionals within the GOP. The senator said that continuing to push these claims would further damage the president's standing with the electorate [1].
“"Crazy, stupid claims."”
This public rift indicates a tension between political populism and established medical science within the Republican party. By linking the vaccine order to slipping poll numbers, Cassidy is framing the issue not just as a scientific error, but as a strategic political liability for the administration.
