Dr. Nicole Saphier, the nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, testified before a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, where she expressed support for childhood vaccinations. During the proceedings, Saphier stated she does not believe there is a link between vaccines and autism, responding to questions regarding the administration's efforts to review national vaccine recommendations.
The hearing follows actions by the administration to modify national health guidance. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Donald Trump have previously suggested that childhood immunizations might contribute to autism, a claim Trump also made in a 2014 social media post. Saphier's testimony aligned with the established scientific consensus that no such connection exists.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) questioned Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor, specifically on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Saphier called the MMR vaccine the "greatest tool for combating measles," even as the president recently advocated for spacing out vaccine doses. Cassidy asked Saphier to speak with more clarity after she described scientific facts as personal beliefs, and he challenged her praise for the administration's engagement with "vaccine hesitant people," suggesting such efforts cause confusion.
The administration has taken steps to scale back the childhood immunization schedule, though a judge has since halted many of these measures. Medical organizations and physicians have stated that these administration actions may increase vaccine hesitancy, which could lead to a resurgence of preventable diseases. What happens next depends on the Senate's vote on Saphier's confirmation; the administration’s efforts to overhaul recommendations also remain subject to ongoing legal challenges following the recent judicial stay.