Byron Donalds blames measles outbreaks on illegal immigration in fiery CBS clash

WASHINGTON, DC: Florida Republican Congressman and gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds blamed recent measles outbreaks in parts of the United States on what he called “rampant illegal immigration” during a tense exchange on CBS News’ Face the Nation on Sunday, August 23.

Host Margaret Brennan had asked Donalds whether his message to Florida parents was to get their children vaccinated against measles, noting that much of the state remains below the 95% immunization rate often cited in discussions about herd immunity. 

Donalds did not directly answer yes or no, instead turning the discussion toward immigration.

When Brennan asked what evidence he had for his claim, Donalds pointed to outbreaks in places including El Paso, Texas, and Southwest Florida and argued that people entering the country illegally may not have followed vaccination schedules.

Donalds turns vaccine question to illegal immigration

“My message to Floridians and, quite frankly, to Americans is the reason why we have seen a measles outbreak in certain parts of the country is because of rampant illegal immigration into the United States from the previous administration,” Donalds said.

Brennan immediately interrupted to ask, “What evidence do you have of that

Donalds responded that outbreaks had occurred in areas where, he said, people had entered the country illegally without having received vaccinations.

He continued to argue that controlling immigration was necessary to address the issue.

“You can’t have an entire segment of people more than 10 million coming to your country without that vaccination schedule,” Donalds said.

“That’s how you end up having some of these outbreaks.”

When Brennan again asked whether he wanted immigrants to be vaccinated, Donalds clarified that he wanted “legal immigration with assimilation.”

Questions arise over Florida mandates

The exchange came as Florida continues to debate vaccine requirements. Brennan asked Donalds whether, if elected governor, he would seek changes to state requirements involving vaccines such as polio and MMR.

Donalds said he supported giving parents greater ability to make decisions about certain vaccines but said decisions involving polio and MMR would require further study and engagement with the state legislature.

He also criticized the Affordable Care Act and shifted the conversation toward healthcare costs, saying his campaign would focus on price transparency.

Donalds proposed requiring doctors’ offices and hospitals to post cash prices for their most common services.

“I think that’s much more of a constructive conversation about costs in healthcare,” he said.

Haitian workers spark another clash

The interview later shifted to the Trump administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians living in Florida.

Brennan noted concerns from fellow Florida Republicans about the potential loss of Haitian workers in healthcare and other industries.

Donalds said Florida should expand internships, apprenticeships and workforce training to prepare more residents for available jobs.

Pressed on how quickly those plans could address an immediate shortage of healthcare workers, Donalds pointed to his broader education and workforce proposals.

Donalds is running to become Florida’s next governor, with the election scheduled for November.