kennedy Allies Mobilize as Florida Vaccine Policy Sets Up Potential Clash with Trump
WASHINGTON – A recent move by Florida to broadly recommend against COVID-19 vaccines for most residents is galvanizing allies of self-reliant presidential candidate robert F. Kennedy Jr., even as it creates a potential point of friction with former President Donald Trump, who championed the rapid growth of the vaccines. The Florida policy, announced by Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, directly contradicts federal guidance and has drawn criticism from medical experts, but is being lauded by Kennedy’s network as a victory for medical freedom.
The diverging stances highlight a growing ideological split within the conservative movement regarding vaccine policy. While Trump frequently took credit for “Operation Warp Speed,” the initiative that accelerated vaccine development, kennedy has built a core of support on decades of questioning vaccine safety and opposing mandates. This emerging dynamic could complicate potential alliances between the two candidates and force both to clarify their positions on a deeply divisive issue as the 2024 election cycle intensifies.
Kennedy has long opposed vaccine mandates, and his selection of Mehmet Oz – who previously praised Ladapo’s announcement – as his proposed administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services underscores his commitment to this position. oz told supporters on a call that the Florida effort was made possible by “air cover” from Kennedy, signaling a coordinated strategy.
Florida’s advice against the vaccines for most individuals, issued December 8, 2023, is based on Ladapo’s assessment of potential risks, a conclusion disputed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and numerous medical organizations. The CDC continues to recommend updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older, citing their safety and effectiveness in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
The policy shift in Florida arrives as COVID-19 cases are rising nationally, fueled by new variants. While hospitalizations remain lower than during previous surges, health officials are concerned about the potential for increased strain on healthcare systems, notably among vulnerable populations. Kennedy’s allies argue the Florida move empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health, free from government coercion. However, critics warn that discouraging vaccination could lead to preventable illness and death, and further erode public trust in public health recommendations.
