Why has RFK Jr sacked an entire US vaccine safety committee?

9 snips

Jun 13, 2025

Recent political strife has landed the issue of vaccine safety in hot water, with controversial committee changes stirring public concern. The election outcomes in New Jersey and Virginia hint at shifts within the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, two high-profile immigration cases pose challenges to current deportation policies. Lastly, a landmark agreement paves the way for significant payments to college athletes, raising questions about the future of amateur sports. Tune in for these engaging discussions and deeper insights!

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INSIGHT

RFK Jr's Vaccine Committee Shakeup

RFK Jr. fired all 17 members of the vaccine advisory committee, citing pharmaceutical funding bias.
He aims to appoint credentialed scientists but faces skepticism due to his history and selections.

INSIGHT

Vaccine Confidence or Skepticism?

RFK Jr. claims he wants to restore public confidence in vaccine science.
His new committee picks, linked to conspiracy theories, challenge this stated goal.

INSIGHT

RFK Jr's Ideological Vaccine Crusade

RFK Jr's vaccine skepticism appeals to Trump supporters and people distrustful of big pharma.
His stance feeds a broader anti-elite, anti-expert narrative in US healthcare politics.

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By popular demand the Americast team turn their focus on stories that have flown under the radar during the blanket coverage of the disorder in LA this week. Why has the US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Junior sacked all the members of a committee which makes recommendations on immunisations, and why is there some concern over his new picks? What does the election of two Democratic nominees for Governor in New Jersey and Virginia tell us about the future direction of the Democratic party? We look at why the Trump administration has lost in its efforts to deport Mahmoud Khalil and Kilmar Abrego Garcia, two high profile cases and what this means for the US president’s deportation policy. Plus, how American colleges will be able to pay student athletes millions of dollars.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Marianna Spring, Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent

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This episode was made by Purvee Pattni, Alix Pickles, Tom Gillett and Gabriel May. The technical producer was Johnny Hall. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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