GOP Senator Turns on Trump Over Vaccines: “This Is a Stupid Thing to Do”

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy criticized President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to reduce some childhood vaccines and separate certain immunizations that are currently administered together.

Why it matters: Cassidy, a doctor and chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, argues that the move would not benefit children and could complicate access to vaccines.

Bill Cassidy Criticizes Trump Over Childhood Vaccines

Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy on Sunday blasted President Donald Trump’s executive order last week targeting the childhood vaccine schedule, calling the action «a stupid thing to do.» https://t.co/z8NKkzsGsv

— ABC News (@ABC) August 16, 2026

In an interview with CNN on August 16, Cassidy questioned the proposal related to the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

As he explained, dividing that immunization could force parents to take their children to the doctor many more times.

“This is an inconvenience. It will contribute to greater loss of income,” Cassidy said, referring to the time parents might have to take off work.

The change: According to Cassidy, some families could go from two doctor’s visits to six to complete the immunizations.

The cost: The senator warned that insurers would also have to cover more consultations, something that, he said, could ultimately lead to higher premiums.

Cassidy argued that separating vaccines would not offer any additional health benefits for children.

Trump Questions Combined Vaccine Administration

Republican senator criticizes Trump on ‘wrong’ comments about vaccines https://t.co/F5p91KXz4d

— USA TODAY Politics (@usatodayDC) August 16, 2026

The criticism comes after Trump made several statements about vaccines when signing his executive order last week.

The president specifically raised doubts about the combined administration of the MMR vaccine, according to USA Today.

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“Together, it could be the possibility that it’s quite lethal, and separately, it seems that they are not lethal at all, but simply very effective,” Trump told reporters.

The difference: Cassidy believes that the United States should increase vaccination rates, not reduce them.

His stance: The senator argues that federal policies should focus on improving Americans’ health without creating additional obstacles for families.

Cassidy Faces Questions Again Over Support for RFK Jr.

The senator’s position has again put his vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health under scrutiny.

Journalist Jake Tapper asked Cassidy about the criticism he has received for supporting Kennedy, who has been known for his skepticism about vaccines for years.

“People always want to bring that up, and all I can say is that we need to move on with life,” Cassidy responded.

The background: Cassidy voted in favor of confirming Kennedy as Secretary of Health.

Now: The Republican is questioning a Trump administration policy that, he says, could make it harder for children to get vaccinated.

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Cassidy lost the Republican primary in May to seek re-election to the Senate.

Now, from his position as a doctor and chairman of the Senate committee in charge of health issues, he is openly questioning the direction of Trump’s vaccine policy.

His central argument is that separating immunizations could multiply doctor’s visits and generate more expenses without improving children’s protection.

The key point: Cassidy argues that recovering better health levels in the United States requires increasing vaccination, not decreasing it.