Nicole Saphier Backs MMR
Trump's surgeon general nominee backed MMR shots while sidestepping RFK Jr. criticism.
September 16, 2026 · Updated Sep 16, 7:57pm ET
Daily BeastTrump’s Surgeon General Pick Breaks With Him on Vaccines
NPRSenators question Trump's picks for top health positions, including surgeon general
FOX NewsTrump surgeon general pick backs MMR vaccine, rejects link between childhood vaccines and autism
The GuardianRepublican senator blames Trump administration policies for measles deaths in Pennsylvania
Roll CallSurgeon general nominee won’t renounce RFK Jr. vaccine decisions
RedStateNicole Saphier in the Hot Seat As the Senate Takes a Third Look at a Surgeon General Nominee
Daily KosBill Cassidy pretends to have a spine on vaccines—far too late
ABC NewsDr. Nicole Saphier, Trump's 3rd surgeon general pick, faces Senate grilling
Joe.My.God.Bill Cassidy: Measles Will Be Trump’s “Terrible Legacy”
Al JazeeraRepublican US senator slams Trump vaccine policy amid rising measles deaths
Scientific AmericanTrump’s surgeon general nominee praises MMR and hepatitis B vaccines at Senate hearing
MS NOWGOP Sen. Bill Cassidy calls measles outbreak a ‘terrible legacy’ for the Trump administration
64%
Left · 9
22%
Center · 3
14%
Right · 2
Pano rates the coverage Mostly Left.
What happened
Dr. Nicole SaphierNicole SaphierAmerican radiologist and media personality, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor, told senators she does not believe childhood vaccines cause autism. President Donald Trump’s third nominee for surgeon general gave that answer after Senate health chair Bill Cassidy
Bill CassidyAmerican physician and politician (born 1957) pressed her on the MMR shot. The post has been unfilled since January 2025, after Trump’s earlier picks, Janette NesheiwatJanette NesheiwatAmerican physician and Casey Means
Casey MeansAmerican physician and author (born 1987), failed to advance or were withdrawn. The hearing centered on vaccines amid the worst U.S. measles outbreak in more than 35 years. Cassidy blamed administration policies and misinformation for four Pennsylvania deaths; Saphier called MMR the greatest tool against measles. The committee is weighing Saphier and two other Trump health nominees, who all need Senate confirmation.
How the left told it
Left-leaning accounts cast the hearing as a warning about vaccine politics, not just a nominee’s careful answers. The Guardian tied the outbreak to the administration’s vaccine-skeptical approach and highlighted Cassidy’s warning about Trump’s legacy. Daily Beast emphasized nominees moving away from Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by affirming vaccines. Daily Kos turned scrutiny toward Cassidy, arguing Republicans enabled the anti-vaccine leadership they now fault.
How the right told it
Right-leaning accounts framed Saphier as a reassuring medical pick, stressing support for MMR over conflict with the administration. Fox News led with her rejection of vaccine-autism claims and the idea that MMR is lethal. RedState treated the hearing as Trump’s third attempt to fill the job after earlier setbacks. RedState also connected her to the MAHA chronic-disease agenda, saying she was there before it became prominent.
Kennedy Vaccine Policy Fight
Part of the storyline · Storyline →- Sep 30Panel Advances Nicole SaphierBalanced
- Sep 17HHS Secretary Kennedy Courts Anti-Vaccine ActivistsMostly Left
- Sep 16Nicole Saphier Backs MMR (this story)Mostly Left
