By Josh Marcus

Copyright independent

Tensions are rising within the Republican Party over President Donald Trump’s reported view of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s health policies, particularly his stance on vaccine access.

Trump reportedly sees Kennedy’s ‘health freedom’ positions and his following among ‘Make America Healthy Again’ (MAHA) mothers as beneficial for the 2026 midterms.

Some Republicans, including Senator Bill Cassidy, express concern that scaling back vaccine access contradicts general public support for vaccinations and could have negative health consequences.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee is set to question Susan Monarez, the ousted former CDC director, who claims she was fired for upholding scientific integrity on vaccine issues.

Senator Cassidy has publicly challenged Kennedy over cuts to mRNA research and the replacement of immunization advisers, also urging him to support vaccines amid a pertussis outbreak in Louisiana.