Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Apr 1: Supporters of US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr are pushing for an appeal against a recent court ruling that halted key elements of a controversial vaccine overhaul, but the Trump administration has yet to take a decision.
The delay comes nearly two weeks after a federal judge ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acted unlawfully by reducing recommended childhood vaccinations and restructuring its vaccine advisory panel.
Despite its aggressive legal stance in other cases, including swift appeals in policy disputes, the administration has not yet moved to challenge the ruling. Officials said the government is still weighing its options within the 60-day window available for appeal.
The issue has created a political balancing act for Donald Trump, as his administration seeks to retain support from Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement while also navigating broader public opinion that largely supports vaccination.
Political strategists noted that the administration is cautious ahead of the upcoming midterm elections, where Republicans are aiming to defend narrow majorities in Congress.
The court order, issued by US District Judge Brian Murphy, also found Kennedy’s move to replace all members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee with ideologically aligned appointees to be unlawful.
Legal experts said the lack of immediate appeal is unusual. “In other cases, the administration has acted almost instantly,” noted Sara Rosenbaum, highlighting the contrast with other policy disputes.
Officials indicated that one option under consideration is appealing only the part of the ruling related to the advisory committee changes, while another is to comply with the court order and reconstitute the panel.
Meanwhile, some within the administration are reportedly considering shifting focus away from vaccines to less controversial health issues such as nutrition and technology use among children.
However, pro-MAHA groups, including Childrens Health Defense, have called for a strong legal challenge. The group’s leadership said they would continue efforts to contest the ruling and push for the overhaul.
The uncertainty over next steps reflects internal divisions and the broader political sensitivity surrounding vaccine policy in the United States.