'Why risk Americans' lives?' Republican physician and health chair confronts Trump on vaccines

WASHINGTON, DC: Louisiana Republican Sen Bill Cassidy, a physician and chairman of the Senate Health Committee, directly challenged President Donald Trump's vaccine messaging during a Sunday, September 20, interview on 'Face The Nation', questioning the basis for the president’s claims and warning that discouraging immunization could lead to more people becoming sick or dying.

Bill Cassidy demands radical honesty

Asked about Trump’s plan to split some childhood vaccines into five doses, Cassidy said he did not know which vaccines the president was referring to or whether manufacturers would follow through.

He called for “radical honesty” from the administration and said vaccines “are safe” and have been proven safe.

Cassidy warned that if Trump discourages immunization, fewer people could be vaccinated and more people could become sick or die from measles.

Republican doctor challenges Trump

Cassidy also addressed Trump’s previous characterization of the measles vaccine as lethal.

He called that claim “absurd” and questioned where the president was getting his information. 

“If you really don't have it, why are you willing to risk the lives of fellow Americans?” Cassidy asked.

He said the administration should provide Americans with clear information about vaccine safety rather than creating confusion.

Bill Cassidy backs vaccine nominees

The senator also discussed Trump’s nominees for top federal health positions. 

Cassidy said he wanted to hear FDA commissioner nominee Dr Heidi Overton acknowledge that calling the measles vaccine lethal was wrong.

He separately said Trump’s Surgeon General nominee Dr Nicole Saphier had earned his vote after telling lawmakers that the vaccine is not lethal, is safe, and that people should be vaccinated.

Cassidy said that when someone is willing to tell Americans vaccines are safe, “what else can you ask for when it comes to vaccines?”

Why families are watching

Cassidy pointed to concerns about measles exposure at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, including an incident involving a child with active measles who entered a neonatal intensive care unit.

He also cited four deaths in Pennsylvania discussed during the interview, noting that officials distinguish between deaths caused by measles and deaths associated with it.

Cassidy said the president should tell Americans: “Be vaccinated. It is safe and effective.” 

He added that confusing public messaging could hurt Republicans in the midterm elections because, in his view, women who make health decisions for families overwhelmingly support childhood immunization.