SHOT DOWN: RFK Jr. HALTS Biden-Era $460M COVID Vaccine Project—10,000 Clinical Trials Put on Hold! 🚨

Washington, D.C. – In a stunning move, newly sworn-in Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has issued a 90-day stop-work order on a multimillion-dollar Biden-era COVID-19 vaccine project, throwing a wrench into plans for 10,000 individuals to begin clinical trials this week.

The project, spearheaded by American biotech company Vaxart Inc., was part of the Biden administration’s $4.7 billion Project NextGen, an initiative launched in 2023 to accelerate the development of new vaccine technology.

“While pandemic preparedness is essential, the Biden administration’s failure to ensure proper oversight over the last four years makes it necessary to re-evaluate vaccine production contracts, including Vaxart’s,” Kennedy said in a statement to Fox News Digital on Tuesday.

“I look forward to working with medical experts to ensure this research leads to safe, effective, and financially responsible vaccine technology.”

HHS Halts Funding—$460M Vaxart Deal in Jeopardy

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), an HHS sub-agency, had obligated $460 million to fund the development of an oral COVID-19 vaccine by Vaxart. Of that amount, $240 million had already been authorized for early-stage studies.

A recent contract amendment would have allowed Vaxart to bill BARDA for the remaining $230 million to support clinical trials, but Kennedy’s stop-work order immediately blocks further payments, pending an internal review.

However, Vaxart is still allowed to invoice HHS for medical monitoring costs associated with an earlier phase of the study.

Why Is RFK Jr. Pausing the Project?

Kennedy, long known for his outspoken views on vaccine safety, has faced criticism over his alleged “anti-vaccine” stance, which he has firmly denied. During his Senate confirmation hearings in January, he clarified:

“I am not anti-vaccine. All of my children are vaccinated. My concern has always been about safety, transparency, and accountability in public health.”

His decision to suspend the Vaxart trials aligns with President Donald Trump’s renewed push for “medical freedom” and greater scrutiny over public health policies.

Trump’s Executive Orders Shake Up Vaccine Policies

On the same day Kennedy was sworn in, Trump signed a series of executive orders, including:

✔️ Reinstating military members fired for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations.
✔️ Blocking federal funding for vaccine mandates in schools.
✔️ Creating the “Make America Healthy Again” Commission, chaired by Kennedy, to investigate chronic illnesses like autism, autoimmune disorders, and other long-term health crises.

The Make America Healthy Again Commission is expected to delve deep into issues surrounding vaccine safety, environmental toxins, and the root causes of the nation’s growing health challenges.

Backlash & Praise: RFK Jr. Sparks Fierce Debate

🔹 Supporters of Kennedy and Trump are applauding the move, calling it a bold step toward government accountability and medical transparency.

🔹 Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and public health officials, argue that pausing vaccine research endangers future pandemic preparedness and could set back medical progress.

What’s Next?

The Vaxart project remains on hold for 90 days, during which HHS officials will conduct a full review of the research findings before deciding whether to restart, modify, or terminate the contract altogether.

With RFK Jr. now at the helm of HHS and Trump doubling down on his public health agenda, the future of vaccine policy in America is shifting dramatically.

🔥 Will Kennedy and Trump rewrite the playbook on pandemic preparedness?
🔥 Is this the first step toward a broader overhaul of the nation’s vaccine programs?

Stay tuned as this story unfolds! 🚨