Trump's Surgeon General Nominee Addresses Vaccine Controversies

<figure><img alt="Nicole Saphier" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/OCLFGZY33VFMPGC6DZUODEAVBU.JPG?auth=579501cd6075d68c07c3b9f0cd8293efd78a80114b58e63caed1edda919f7622&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4108&amp;height=2311" /><figcaption>Evan Vucci / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Nicole Saphier, nominated by Donald Trump for the position of surgeon general, has publicly distanced herself from the president and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding statements about vaccines. During a Senate confirmation hearing, Saphier did not support claims that vaccines cause autism.</p><p>Saphier stated, "I do not know what causes autism, but I have not seen reputable evidence that would suggest that vaccines cause autism."</p><img alt="Saphier told senators she does not believe vaccines cause autism. / Evan Vucci / REUTERS" height="3835" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/GUEID2DVSJCLHPN3WOEBSM4I6Y.JPG?auth=92d0efa16d7b50564d96d68d9fe6d1cce57fceab0a675ba2459861b83f17df8c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5752&amp;height=3835" width="5752" /><p>In response to a question from Republican Senator Bill Cassidy regarding Trump's assertion that the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine may be "lethal," Saphier disagreed, saying, "I do not believe the MMR vaccine to be lethal. I believe the MMR vaccine is our greatest tool for combating measles." She emphasized that she does not believe childhood vaccines cause autism.</p><p>Last September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to stop recommending the MMR vaccine for children under 4 years old, instead suggesting separate MMR and varicella shots.</p><p>During her testimony, Saphier also diverged from Kennedy's views on hepatitis B vaccination at birth, noting that the hepatitis B vaccines are important for cancer prevention. A CDC panel had scrapped the recommendation for universal hepatitis B shots at birth last December.</p><p>The White House has expressed support for Saphier. Spokesperson Kush Desai described her as an accomplished physician and a strong advocate for various health issues.</p><p>Saphier is the third nominee for surgeon general since January 2025, following Casey Means and Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, the latter of whom withdrew after questions arose about her credentials.</p><img alt="Saphier shakes hands with Sen. Bill Cassidy, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. / Evan Vucci / REUTERS" height="3526" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/GXQSQJDUWZBQ3EYSO2QYQU7MVY.JPG?auth=21e89473d34bc2a70b792bbb9ae8de49a9b8d0a42a6459ed5a9bbfe6962cb44e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=5288&amp;height=3526" width="5288" /><p>A confirmation vote for Saphier has not yet been scheduled. Following her nomination, she was reported to have deleted posts critical of Trump and Kennedy’s health policies. For example, she had previously criticized Trump's suggestion that pregnant women should avoid Tylenol due to unproven claims linking it to autism.</p><p>Saphier expressed her concerns about Trump's statements on social media, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding the data behind such claims.</p>