Up First from NPR RFK Jr. Grilled, Europeans Pledge Troops to Ukraine, DC Sues Trump Admin
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Sep 5, 2025 Tensions rose in a recent Senate hearing as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended his vaccine policies amid fierce scrutiny. Meanwhile, European leaders strengthened their commitment to Ukraine, pledging troop support post-war. A legal battle emerged as D.C.'s attorney general filed suit against the Trump administration, challenging the National Guard's deployment in the city. The intertwining of health policy and global security illustrates the complexities of current international relations.
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Kennedy Claims Universal Access Despite FDA Limits
- RFK Jr. insists anyone who wants a COVID booster can get one, despite FDA limiting approval to certain groups.
- Senators pressed him because his actions since taking office appear to contradict his earlier promises on vaccine access.
Advisory Panel Overhaul Raises Vaccine Concerns
- Kennedy replaced all 17 members of the CDC advisory panel with his picks, many with anti-vaccine histories.
- That move raises concerns about future recommendations for routine childhood vaccines and public trust.
Conflict Claims Versus AAP's Financial Rebuttal
- Kennedy framed mainstream medical organizations as compromised by industry influence.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics rebutted, saying industry represents under 4% of its revenue and vaccines protect children's health.