Why has RFK Jr pulled $500m of mRNA vaccine funding?

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Aug 6, 2025

A significant $500 million in mRNA vaccine funding has been cancelled, sparking debates on health and safety. RFK Jr. seeks to redirect efforts toward more resilient vaccine platforms. The podcast also dives into the scandal surrounding the Clintons and Epstein, exploring political strategies and public perception. Furthermore, a controversial job statistics dismissal raises questions about employment data integrity and its political ramifications, shedding light on the fragility of truth in today’s political narratives.

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INSIGHT

Epstein Subpoenas Face Challenges

Powerful people like Bill and Hillary Clinton have been subpoenaed over Epstein but evidence for wrongdoing is unclear.
Such subpoenas may be performative and legally challengeable without solid evidentiary basis.

INSIGHT

Maxwell Transcript's Complex Impact

The release of the Maxwell-Deputy Attorney General meeting transcript may be aimed at proving no Trump suppression of evidence.
But some online communities will scrutinize it intensely, likely fueling conspiracy theories.

INSIGHT

Trump-Russia Collusion Debate

Investigations found no evidence of Trump-Russia collusion, but claims about Russian election interference persist.
Some assert Obama administration pushed a false narrative of Russian interference for political reasons.

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US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has cancelled 22 projects - worth $500m (£376m) in funding – for tackling infections such as Covid and flu. During the pandemic, mRNA vaccines were heralded as a medical marvel that saved lives, but RFK Jr says he wants to shift the money to "safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate". Justin and Marianna look at the broader reasons behind the decision, what the science says, and the possible ramifications. Also today, we discuss stories away from the main American headlines: why former US president Bill Clinton, and his wife Hillary Clinton, have been summoned to give evidence about the convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, Trump’s interview on why he sacked the head of America’s main agency which is responsible for issuing job data, and what that tells us about the US economy. HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Correspondent

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This episode was made by Purvee Pattni with Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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