U.S. Government Pulls Funding from mRNA Vaccine Projects, Prompting Backlash from Health Experts

The Trump administration has decided to halt 22 contracts tied to the development of mRNA vaccines, effectively ending almost $500 million in federal support for this avenue of research. The announcement was made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who cited a review of scientific evidence and consultations with top experts as the reason for discontinuing support. Kennedy argued that mRNA vaccines “fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu,” and added that a single mutation could render these vaccines ineffective, potentially prolonging pandemics. Funding will now be directed toward other vaccine technologies, such as whole-virus platforms, which Kennedy said may offer broader protection as viruses change.

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the agency behind these contracts, has played a major role in collaborating with pharmaceutical companies for pandemic preparedness. Some ongoing contracts nearing completion will be allowed to finish, but no new mRNA-based vaccine projects will be initiated.

U.S. Government Pulls Funding from mRNA Vaccine Projects, Prompting Backlash from Health Experts

This move drew immediate criticism from many scientists, infectious disease experts, and public health leaders. They argue that mRNA technology was instrumental in quickly developing vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saved hundreds of thousands of lives in the United States and prevented millions of hospitalizations. Experts highlight mRNA platforms as one of the most adaptable and essential tools for responding to emerging threats, given how quickly they can be updated for new virus variants. Critics called the cancellation “misguided,” and warned it could leave the country less prepared for future public health emergencies.

Kennedy has previously been associated with anti-vaccine rhetoric, and groups like Children’s Health Defense, which he founded, welcomed the move, repeating claims about mRNA vaccine safety that are contradicted by large bodies of scientific evidence. Public health authorities—including the CDC and leaders in vaccine research—continue to emphasize that mRNA vaccines are both safe and effective for reducing severe illness and death.

Some of the contracts being terminated include partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies such as Moderna and Pfizer, including research on mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, and bird flu strains like H5N1.

In summary, this policy shift marks a major change in federal vaccine development priorities, prioritizing older vaccine technologies over the newer, rapidly adaptable mRNA platform. The decision remains controversial and has stirred strong opposition from the scientific and medical communities, who stress the importance of maintaining investment in innovative vaccine research to ensure rapid and effective pandemic response in the future