As RFK Jr allies hailed Mississippi’s rollback of strict school vaccine rules, whooping cough surged and a baby died

The Guardian US News
by Michelle R Smith in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
April 9, 2026
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2 min read

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The Bottom Line

Mississippi saw a whooping cough surge and an infant death after school vaccine rules were rolled back by a federal judge.

How This Affects You

This event suggests that changes to vaccine rules could lead to increased outbreaks of preventable diseases, potentially impacting public health and safety.

AI Summary

Allies of US Health Secretary RFK Jr. orchestrated a campaign that led to a federal judge ordering a sweeping rollback of Mississippi’s strict school vaccine rules in 2023. This change occurred despite Mississippi previously maintaining some of the highest childhood vaccination rates in the US. Following the rollback, whooping cough surged in the state, and a baby died. The campaign to alter these rules was years in the making, with two men closely tied to RFK Jr. playing a role.

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Trump's Influence on US Politics and Foreign Policy

Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence on US politics, from taunting foreign leaders and shaping primary elections to making controversial statements on immigration and foreign policy, including his stance on the ongoing Iran conflict.

Trump's Influence on US Politics and Elections

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President Trump's Legislative Demands and Political Stances

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Trump's Legislative Blockade and Voter ID Demands

President Donald Trump has declared he will not sign any legislation until Congress passes his proposed voter identification bill, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. This ultimatum aims to pressure Congress into overhauling voting laws, despite concerns from Democrats and a focus on other critical issues.

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Trump Administration's Push for SAVE America Act and 2020 Election Probe

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Trump Administration's 2020 Election Probe and SAVE America Act Push

The Trump administration has expanded its investigation into the 2020 presidential election, obtaining records from Arizona, while President Trump pressures Republicans to pass the 'SAVE America Act,' a bill he claims will 'guarantee the midterms.'

Trump Administration's 2020 Election Probe

The Trump administration has expanded its investigation into the 2020 presidential election, obtaining records from Arizona. This move comes amidst ongoing efforts to scrutinize the election results.

Trump Administration Actions and Policies

The Trump administration is taking various actions, including restarting the Global Entry program, pushing for college sports legislation, and facing scrutiny over its handling of the Iran conflict and its impact on the State Department.

Trump Administration's Domestic Policies and Political Maneuvers

The Trump administration is implementing and proposing various domestic policies, including restoring gun rights for felons, restarting Global Entry, and facing scrutiny over DHS policies. These actions are occurring amidst political maneuvering for upcoming elections.

US Political Landscape: Trump's Influence and Key Elections

The US political scene is heavily influenced by former President Donald Trump, who continues to endorse candidates and shape party dynamics. Key primary races and special elections are underway, revealing shifts in voter sentiment and ongoing debates within both major parties.

Trump's Political Influence and 2025 Agenda

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Trump's Influence on Republican Primaries and Policy

Former President Donald Trump is actively engaging in Republican primary races, notably campaigning against incumbent GOP Representative Thomas Massie in Kentucky. He is also pushing for legislative changes like the SAVE America Act, though facing resistance from within his own party.

Trump Administration Policies and Political Maneuvering

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Trump's Influence on Republican Party and 2024 Elections

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Trump Administration's SAVE America Act and Republican Divisions

President Trump is pushing for the 'SAVE America Act,' leading to significant legislative battles and exposing divisions within the Republican party. Trump's efforts to sway the 2020 election narrative and his criticism of GOP leaders who don't fully support his agenda are central to this developing story.

Trump's Influence on Republican Party and 2024 Election

Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican Party, impacting legislative efforts, primary challenges, and the national political discourse. His focus on the 2020 election and specific policy stances are shaping the GOP's agenda.

Trump's Push for SAVE America Act and Criticism of GOP Opponents

Former President Trump is pushing hard for the SAVE America Act, threatening to block legislation until it passes. He is also actively campaigning against Republican opponents, notably Rep. Thomas Massie, whom he has publicly criticized and sought to oust.

Trump's Influence on the Republican Party and Legislative Agenda

President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican Party, pushing for his 'SAVE America Act' and publicly criticizing GOP members who don't align with his agenda. His actions are shaping legislative priorities and causing internal party conflicts.

Trump's Influence on Republican Politics and Endorsements

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, making endorsements, criticizing opponents, and pushing for specific legislation. His actions are shaping primary races and legislative priorities, often leading to internal party conflicts.

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President Trump is pushing hard for the SAVE America Act, threatening to block legislation until it passes. He is also using his influence to endorse candidates and criticize opponents within the Republican party.

Trump's SAVE America Act and Election Integrity Push

President Trump is pushing for the passage of the SAVE America Act, stating he will not sign any other legislation until it is enacted. This initiative, focused on election integrity, is causing legislative blockades and political maneuvering within the Republican party.

Trump's Influence on Republican Party and Policy

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican Party, endorsing candidates, criticizing opponents, and pushing for specific legislative agendas. His actions are shaping primary races, trade policy, and legislative priorities within Congress.

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Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, issuing endorsements, criticizing opponents, and leveraging his support to push legislative agendas, particularly impacting congressional races and policy debates.

Trump's Influence on Republican Primaries and Legislative Agenda

Former President Trump is actively shaping the Republican legislative agenda and primary races, notably endorsing candidates and campaigning against those who oppose him, such as Rep. Thomas Massie, while pushing for the 'SAVE America Act'.

Trump's Political Influence and Endorsements

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, issuing endorsements, criticizing opponents, and pushing his legislative agenda. His actions are shaping primary races and national policy debates, particularly regarding the 'SAVE Act' and trade.

Trump's Campaign Against Rep. Thomas Massie

President Trump has intensified his campaign to oust Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, publicly criticizing him and urging voters to replace him. This has led to significant spending by outside conservative groups to support Massie's opponent in the upcoming primary.

Trump's Influence on Republican Primaries and Policy

Former President Trump is actively shaping Republican primaries, particularly in Kentucky, by endorsing candidates and campaigning against incumbents. He is also exerting pressure on Congress regarding legislation and trade policy, threatening legislative blockades.

Trump's Influence on Republican Party and 2024 Election

Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican Party, endorsing candidates, criticizing opponents, and pushing legislative agendas. His actions are shaping primary races and national policy debates, particularly concerning election integrity and trade.

Trump's Anti-Massie Crusade in Kentucky

Former President Trump has escalated his public criticism of Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, urging voters to oust him in the upcoming primary. This 'anti-Massie crusade' has led to significant spending by conservative groups attempting to defeat the incumbent.

Trump's Political Influence and Endorsements

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence within the Republican party, endorsing candidates and criticizing opponents. His actions are shaping primary races and legislative debates, particularly concerning the 'SAVE America Act'.

Trump's Influence on Republican Party and 2024 Election

Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican Party, endorsing candidates and criticizing those who oppose him. His focus on the 'SAVE Act' and his stance on mail-in voting are shaping political discourse ahead of the 2024 elections.

Trump's Influence on Republican Politics and Endorsements

Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, making endorsements, criticizing opponents, and pushing his legislative agenda. His actions are shaping primary races and creating tensions within the party, particularly regarding the 'SAVE America Act' and his criticism of certain GOP members.

Trump's Influence on Republican Primaries and Internal Party Dynamics

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, actively endorsing candidates and campaigning against those he deems disloyal. His efforts include publicly criticizing and seeking to oust Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky and pressuring the Senate on legislative priorities like the SAVE Act.

Trump's Influence and Political Maneuvering

Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party and national politics, engaging in endorsements, criticisms, and policy demands. His actions include targeting political opponents, pushing for specific legislation like the SAVE Act, and facing accusations of 'racist hate speech' from a UN panel.

Trump's Influence on Republican Party and Legislative Agenda

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, endorsing candidates, criticizing opponents, and pushing for his legislative priorities like the SAVE Act. His actions are shaping primary races and creating tensions within the GOP.

Trump's Influence on Republican Politics and the SAVE Act

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, endorsing candidates and criticizing opponents. He is pushing for the passage of the 'SAVE America Act' and has threatened a legislative blockade until it is addressed, impacting various legislative efforts.

Trump's Political Influence and Endorsements

Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party, actively endorsing candidates and engaging in political feuds. His actions, from campaigning against specific GOP members to supporting new candidates, highlight his ongoing role in shaping the political landscape.

Trump's Easter Weekend Controversies

President Trump's Easter weekend was marked by a series of controversial posts and actions, including an expletive-laden threat against Iran. These statements drew widespread criticism and even prompted calls for the invocation of the 25th Amendment.

Calls for Trump's Removal and 25th Amendment Invocation

Following President Trump's recent actions and profane threats, particularly concerning Iran, there have been renewed calls from lawmakers and critics for the invocation of the 25th Amendment. Reports describe a 'meltdown' and 'unhinged' behavior, raising concerns about his fitness for office.

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Following President Trump's recent actions and inflammatory rhetoric, particularly regarding Iran, there have been renewed calls from lawmakers and critics to invoke the 25th Amendment. Concerns are being raised about his fitness for office and potential 'unhinged' behavior.

Trump's Endorsement of Steve Hilton in California Governor Race

Former President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, in the California gubernatorial race. This endorsement signals Trump's continued influence in state-level politics and support for conservative candidates.

Trump Endorses Steve Hilton in California Governor's Race

President Donald Trump has officially endorsed former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the California governor's race. This endorsement signals Trump's continued influence in state-level politics and could shape the dynamics of the Republican primary.

Steve Hilton Endorsed by Trump in California Governor's Race

Former President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, in the California governor's race. This endorsement signals Trump's direct involvement in the state's political landscape.

Trump Endorses Steve Hilton for California Governor

Former President Donald Trump has officially endorsed ex-Fox News host Steve Hilton in the California gubernatorial race. This endorsement signals Trump's direct involvement in state-level politics and his support for Hilton's campaign.

Trump Endorses Steve Hilton in California Governor's Race

President Donald Trump has officially endorsed former Fox News host Steve Hilton in the California governor's race. This endorsement signals Trump's direct involvement and aims to reorder the wide-open race for the state's top executive position.

Trump Endorses Steve Hilton for California Governor

President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Steve Hilton, a former UK political aide and ex-Fox News host, for California governor. This endorsement reorders the wide-open race and signals Trump's direct involvement in the state's gubernatorial primary.

Trump Administration's Policies and Political Landscape

The Trump administration continues to face scrutiny over its policies, including efforts to support coal plants and a controversial settlement in a predatory lending case. Simultaneously, discussions about invoking the 25th Amendment and limiting the President's powers are gaining traction among Democrats, while some former allies express criticism.

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