The United States has undergone several changes in foreign and domestic policy since US President Donald Trump took office in January. Scientists who rely on federal grants for their work have been particularly hard hit by new regulations and cuts introduced under the administration.

Already, researchers across several fields, including LGBTQ health and gender identity, climate and environment, and medical research disciplines have had research financing taken away.

Recently, research on vaccine hesitancy suffered this fate. More than 30 grants for researching public mistrust of immunizations have been terminated, according to several US media outlets.

Amid these cuts, the role of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — a vocal vaccine skeptic — looms large.

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According to KFF Health News, acting National Institutes of Health (NIH) director Matthew Memoli requested details on "grants, contracts or collaborations" on mRNA vaccine research be provided to Kennedy and the White House.

Similar requests reportedly preceded the administration's decision to scrap support for vaccine........

© Deutsche Welle