Trump says Americans should take vaccines that are 'not controversial' amid Florida policy debate

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Friday, September 5, that Americans should take vaccines that are "not controversial" while distancing himself from Florida's plans to end all vaccine mandates.

The POTUS' remarks came as his Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, faced criticism amid turmoil at the CDC, sparked by his long history of vaccine skepticism.

Trump calls vaccines a 'very tough position'

Donald Trump gave one of his clearest defenses of vaccines on Friday while responding to a reporter who asked about the new Florida policy pushed by Governor Ron DeSantis' administration.

"I think we have to be very careful," he said when asked about Florida's plans to phase out vaccine mandates.

"Look, you have some vaccines that are so amazing," Trump added.

He praised the polio vaccine, calling it "amazing," and also said that "a lot of people that had the Covid (vaccine) is amazing."

Trump continued, "I think you have to be very careful when you say that some people don't have to be vaccinated. It's a very, you know, it's a very tough position. Look, you have vaccines that work. They just pure and simple work. They're not controversial at all. And I think those vaccines should be used, otherwise some people are going to catch it, and they endanger other people. And when you don't have controversy at all, I think people should take it."

Meanwhile, RFK Jr took fire from senators during a hearing on Thursday for actions as the nation’s top health official that reflect his long-held skepticism of vaccines.

On June 17, RFK Jr fired all 17 members of a committee that advises the federal government on vaccine safety and replaced them with his own picks.

In August, the Food and Drug Administration set tighter guidelines on who could receive the latest Covid-19 vaccines, recommending the shots only for people over 65 or those with existing health problems.

RFK Jr even fired CDC Director Susan Monarez on August 27 after a disagreement over vaccine policy.

Internet sides with Trump's remarks on vaccines

Several internet users backed Trump after he said Americans should take vaccines that are "not controversial" while distancing himself from Florida's plans to end all mandates.

One user wrote on X, "He is not wrong. Polio saved humanity from that curse," while another said, "Trump is right."

A person also stated, "I agree with this," whereas one mentioned, "Trust the plan guys."

One more wrote, "I agree with this. But, some should be up to the parents discretion," while one tweeted, "Good answer." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.