In response to growing concern about measles outbreaks in Texas and other states, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. published an op-ed in Fox News touting the benefits of the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, which he has spent years fear-mongering about. His supporters were not pleased, Important Context reported.

Important Context reported on Donald Trump’s pick to lead the National Institutes of Health. In a podcast appearance from September, Stanford health economist Jay Bhattacharya suggested he would be open to more research into the discredited claim that vaccines are linked to autism. He also embraced alternative vaccine schedules, which are popular with anti-vaxxers.

Important Context reported on the financial disclosure forms of Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health. We covered how Dr. Jay Bhattacharya did not include a sizable award he received from a major right-wing dark money group.

On his first day in office, President Trump issued a regulatory freeze that effectively killed a proposal to limit the discharge of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” into water sources. Important Context looked at Trump’s order and how it made good on a plan from the infamous Project 2025.

Dr. Vinay Prasad is backing Trump’s drastic NIH cuts, earning a White House shoutout while scientists warn of devastating impacts. Critics say he’s angling for a role in the administration alongside NIH pick Jay Bhattacharya. Is this about reform or personal ambition?

At his confirmation hearing, RFK Jr. defended the debunked vaccine-autism link using a study from a journal run by his anti-vax allies. The study’s author, its publisher, and its editorial board are deeply tied to Kennedy’s network. Despite claiming to be “pro-safety,” he’s pushing discredited research from his own camp.

Important Context took a look at Donald Trump’s acting NIH director. Matthew Memoli, a veteran researcher at the agency, participated on a panel with Trump’s NIH director pick and other COVID-19 contrarians. During the course of the conversation, Memoli cast doubt on COVID vaccines.

Trump’s WHO withdrawal, driven by right-wing dark money groups like Heritage Foundation and Brownstone Institute, weakens global health efforts. These billionaire-backed organizations spread misinformation about the WHO’s pandemic treaty, prioritizing economic interests over public health. The move isolates the U.S. and threatens national biosecurity amid emerging disease risks.

Important Context did a deep dive into Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Former Congressman Lee Zeldin’s record on the climate is mixed, but he has generally been a reliable fossil fuel ally.

Donald Trump’s pick to lead the National Institutes of Health, Stanford health economist Jay Bhattacharya, has drifted deeper and deeper into anti-vaccine circles. In a documentary from a company affiliated with the conspiracy-fueled Epoch Times, promoted a conspiracy theory about ivermectin having been suppressed to ensure the approval of the COVID-19 vaccines. Ivermectin is not effective against the disease.

Donald Trump’s pick for Surgeon General, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, has shifted from mainstream medical guidance to promoting hydroxychloroquine, vaccine hesitancy, and anti-masking narratives. Once a COVID vaccine advocate, she later opposed vaccinating children, questioned the efficacy of masking, and launched a supplement brand. Medical experts warn her inconsistent stance on evidence-based medicine raises ethical concerns. Her nomination surprised even Robert Kennedy Jr., whose allies reportedly sought to “re-educate” her on vaccines.

Important Context did a deep dive into Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, television personality and former GOP Senate candidate Dr. Mehmet Oz. Specifically, we looked at his promotion of hydroxychloroquine, an unproven COVID-19 treatment that was rapidly embraced by the political right and Donald Trump.

Donald Trump has chosen Dr. Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon and prominent COVID-19 contrarian, to lead the FDA. Makary, who has cast doubt on COVID vaccines and promoted "natural immunity," has ties to right-wing dark money groups and has repeatedly attacked public health agencies. He has falsely claimed healthy children haven’t died from COVID, opposed vaccine mandates, and echoed anti-vaccine talking points. Critics, including public health experts, warn that his appointment threatens vaccine regulation and public trust in the FDA.

Donald Trump’s pick of anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist Robert Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services secretary was heralded by COVID-19 contrarians and anti-vaxxers. Important Context documented some of the responses to the announcement from the fringes.

Donald Trump has named Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford health economist and proponent of "natural immunity" over COVID-19 mitigation, as his pick to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya, co-author of the discredited Great Barrington Declaration, has long opposed lockdowns, vaccines for younger populations, and pandemic safety measures.