Republican lawmakers are split on how seriously they should be taking the measles outbreak spreading across the country, but they’re in agreement that their message should include talking up the Trump administration’s response.
Led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Trump administration has downplayed the escalating issue. At least one person has died and more than 480 people have been infected across 19 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kennedy has drawn criticism in recent weeks for minimizing the severity of measles. He called the outbreak “not unusual,” despite the U.S. declaring in 2000 that the disease had been eliminated, and he’s also promoted less-effective treatments as alternatives to getting vaccinated.
“If your question is, do I think the administration is doing a good job with it? Yeah, they are,” said Sen. Josh Hawley after being asked what the Republican message on measles should be. “I think they’re saying to take every precaution you can. Obviously don’t want to see it spread.”