Republicans are having a hard time cobbling together a coherent message on the Trump administration's response to the measles outbreak spreading across the country.
Health and human services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other administration officials have tried to downplay the escalating outbreak, which has killed a child and infected nearly 500 people in 19 states, and GOP lawmakers haven't united around a message except to say they support the administration, reported NOTUS.
“If your question is, do I think the administration is doing a good job with it? Yeah, they are,” said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) when asked what the GOP message on measles should be. “I think they’re saying to take every precaution you can. Obviously don’t want to see it spread. Get vaccinated and see your healthcare professional, do everything you can to stop it.”
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Most of the cases involve unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown status, but Republicans weren't willing to endorse vaccines or agreed with Kennedy that infections could boost immunity.
“Measles? I’m against them,” said Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA). “First of all, it’s your body. If you don’t want to take a vaccine, don’t take a vaccine. Follow your heart. Take your brain with you. Make sure you’re educated.”
Kennedy the senator disclosed that he recently checked on the efficacy of his past measles vaccine and would have gotten a booster if necessary, but other Republicans agreed with Kennedy the health secretary that vaccination was a personal issue.
“That’s obviously a faith-based issue we’re to continue to be able to respect,” said Sen. James Lankford (R-OK). “But incredibly difficult for those communities, and I continue to encourage people to be able to get the vaccinations.”
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) praised the health secretary for "taking it seriously" and said he liked his messaging on vaccines.
“The best I can tell, he’s deployed resources," said Cornyn, whose home state of Texas has reported more than 200 cases this year. "He’s made clear, I think, that vaccinating children, especially against measles, is a good idea. It was almost extinct."
Democrats have criticized Kennedy's handling of the outbreak, but none of the Republicans who spoke to NOTUS offered anything but praise.
“I think Bobby’s handling it good," said Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK). "I think Trump’s team is handling it good. I think they got a good handle on it."