Report: RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine agenda curbed as GOP realizes it's unpopular

Ars Technica
March 11, 2026
6 views
1 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Republicans are reportedly curbing RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine agenda due to concerns about its unpopularity.

How This Affects You

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices may continue to recommend mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for federal guidelines.

AI Summary

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine agenda is being curtailed due to Republican concerns that further attacks on vaccines could negatively impact the party during the midterms, according to a report by The Washington Post. The Post reported Wednesday that Kennedy's hand-selected vaccine advisors have abandoned plans to attack mRNA vaccines at an upcoming meeting. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for the CDC is scheduled to meet March 18–19. Sources close to the committee told the Post that Kennedy's advisors had sought to remove mRNA COVID-19 vaccines from federal recommendations. The long-term goal of Kennedy's allies is to eliminate all childhood vaccine recommendations and remove the shots from the market.

What's Being Done

Republicans are reportedly curbing RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine agenda due to concerns about its unpopularity.

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Story Tracker

This article is part of a story we're tracking:

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

Former President Donald Trump continues to exert significant influence over US politics, from taunting political rivals and making policy demands to impacting primary elections and facing legal challenges. His statements and actions are shaping ongoing debates and future electoral contests.

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

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican party and national politics, actively campaigning against GOP opponents, pushing for legislative changes like the SAVE America Act, and shaping the narrative around the economy and ongoing conflicts. His administration's past actions, such as the Global Entry program restoration and DOJ policies, are also under scrutiny.

US Political Landscape and Elections

The US political landscape is marked by ongoing electoral contests, including special elections and primary races, and debates over election integrity and voting rights. Democrats have seen some successes in flipping seats, while Republicans are strategizing for future elections. Issues like redistricting, voter confidence, and the role of federal agencies in elections are prominent.

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's Influence on Republican Party and 2024 Elections

Former President Trump continues to exert significant influence over the Republican Party, impacting legislative priorities, endorsements, and internal party dynamics ahead of the 2024 elections. His calls for specific legislation and criticism of GOP members highlight ongoing divisions.

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 Influence on Republican Politics and Endorsements

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'.

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

Capitol agenda: Trump’s Doral demands ripple through GOP - Politico
Politics

Capitol agenda: Trump’s Doral demands ripple through GOP - Politico

PoliticoMar 10
This week on The Hill: House Republicans head to Florida to sharpen agenda, message
Politics

This week on The Hill: House Republicans head to Florida to sharpen agenda, message

House Republicans will gather Monday at President Trump’s Doral, Fla., resort for a three-day issues conference aimed at charting their legislative agenda for the year ahead and sharpening their message for the 2026 midterm elections. The meeting comes after a turbulent week for the GOP conference. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) confessed to having an affair…

The HillMar 8
Trump pushes GOP on voting bill, demanding an end to most mail balloting - AP News
Politics

Trump pushes GOP on voting bill, demanding an end to most mail balloting - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqAFBVV95cUxOOERwMjl0NTZHeFRpUWRDTUVlN3JuLXBwbFl1TFBSM2hVR1V2Rnk0d2pXZG42c0pVOXd4RkxZc1B4UVFmWWhyT2tTcFJrNmF0cTNuQUtQR3BVUUU5bnI3cjdidDFIekpCREpXYlRaT2RaOWVFZW9rSDJCTm9Cc0U1TFN2RmdtRWhoSEhhWGMyV1J2OHZKS1R3WkNXOE1DYlc5bmlYdy1CVnE?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump pushes GOP on voting bill, demanding an end to most mail balloting</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 10
Trump visits Ohio and Kentucky to downplay war's effect on economy and target a top GOP antagonist - AP News
Politics

Trump visits Ohio and Kentucky to downplay war's effect on economy and target a top GOP antagonist - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipgFBVV95cUxPc0xDZm1BUmZPaDIwZUowdC1UZ2NTNldDRXRfbkNZU2dPMVg3dzRZVExVbUdLVjlUUWRfNWxmaTNVblFOS1JaY3VhQUNPN0VjcEpMMC05TDFmQkZyZnRUR2lDUkJTZVFwbVVLdXVBUUM0MUhtT1dfR3h1RWIyNndxSjVGRy1qT2s1Mmd3WFpwaWQyYUh0d0hoN3VnaTRPR1pRRXNNVFpR?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump visits Ohio and Kentucky to downplay war's effect on economy and target a top GOP antagonist</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsMar 11
Trump and GOP plot strategy
Politics

Trump and GOP plot strategy

<p><strong>DORAL, Fla.</strong> — President Trump's top advisers are urging House Republicans to turn the 2026 midterms into a choice election — and hammer Democrats on taxes, crime and <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/democrats-ice-dhs-funding-shutdown-house-vote" target="_blank">border security</a>.</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> Midterm elections are almost always referendums on the president and the party in power.</p><hr><ul><li>But Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Trump are looking to buck history and retain the House by focusing on the Democrats' <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/02/trump-democrats-republican-midterms-shutdown" target="_blank">national brand</a>, with <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/poll-primary-voters-prize-ideology-electability-parties-get-low-marks-rcna262046" target="_blank">52% of voters viewing</a> the Democratic Party unfavorably.</li></ul><p><strong>Driving the news:</strong> At the House GOP retreat in su...

AxiosMar 10
Democratic doctors run for Congress to challenge Trump, RFK Jr. - USA Today
Politics

Democratic doctors run for Congress to challenge Trump, RFK Jr. - USA Today

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMitgFBVV95cUxQN2dKekw0dzVBMjRDN1AzRTJCR3MyYjBCVXljWnp0dVdXbXBlRFV1Mm1VMDV6UUdKTUh2VW9TSXQ4bzRKRG56NkN5NlA4X25sRmxYLUkzejlES1dXREJUemVSNFRqV2lPUGFtaWV6VFBkMHFoOTR2bG8yNjJkRW1TMUVhLVlidjVScW15VFU5d0pWSHdlX0tSVDNlYmtEMmVsTFJYbk0zdVN6X2hsanJrQUxzX21LZw?oc=5" target="_blank">Democratic doctors run for Congress to challenge Trump, RFK Jr.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">USA Today</font>

USA TodayMar 13
Read Next
Judge blocks Trump administration's subpoenas against Fed Chair Powell
Politics

Judge blocks Trump administration's subpoenas against Fed Chair Powell

A federal judge blocked two grand jury subpoenas against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday. Chief Judge James Boasberg wrote that "the Government has offered no evidence whatsoever that Powell committed any crime other than displeasing the President."

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources