President Donald Trump’s latest nominee for surgeon general, Dr. Nicole Saphier, appeared before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on Wednesday and offered a clear, pro‑vaccine message. The former Fox News contributor and radiologist said the combined measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR) vaccine is “our greatest tool for combatting measles,” and she rejected the long‑debunked claim that childhood vaccines cause autism.
Senate hearing highlights
Committee Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy asked whether Dr. Saphier agreed with President Trump’s recent comment that the MMR vaccine could be “quite lethal.” Dr. Saphier responded firmly, “As a physician, I can tell you that I do not believe the MMR vaccine to be lethal.” She emphasized that the two‑dose regimen remains the safest and most effective way to prevent a highly contagious disease that has been resurging across the United States.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., under whom Dr. Saphier would serve if confirmed, has also repeatedly urged Americans to get the MMR vaccine. In a March 2025 interview with Fox News Digital, Kennedy called the two‑dose MMR “our safest and most effective tool to prevent this highly contagious illness.”
No credible link between vaccines and autism
When pressed about the alleged connection between vaccines and autism, Dr. Saphier said, “Well, humbly, I don’t know what causes autism, but I have not seen reputable evidence that would suggest that vaccines cause autism. I do not believe childhood vaccines cause autism.” She noted that former HHS Secretary Kennedy once suggested a link in a 2023 Fox News interview, but later clarified his position, stating he would not take actions that discourage vaccination.
Hepatitis B vaccine stance
Senator Cassidy also asked Dr. Saphier whether she supports the Trump administration’s December decision to stop universally recommending the hepatitis B vaccine at birth for infants whose mothers test negative. Dr. Saphier highlighted the vaccine’s role in cancer prevention, saying, “The hepatitis B vaccine is one of the most tangible ways we have to prevent cancer.” She stopped short of committing to a reversal of the policy, leaving the issue open for further Senate deliberation.
Broader health agenda
Beyond vaccines, Dr. Saphier outlined a comprehensive public‑health agenda she would pursue as surgeon general. She plans to promote early cancer screening, examine the potential harms of flavored e‑cigarettes, and study the mental‑health effects of AI chatbots on children and adolescents. The nominee brings extensive experience as director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Monmouth, New Jersey location.
Trump administration’s vaccine policy
The Trump administration continues to back the CDC’s recommendation for the MMR vaccine while also exploring a split‑dose approach that would administer the three components separately. This strategy aims to give parents more flexibility while maintaining the high level of protection the vaccine provides.
Dr. Saphier’s nomination follows the withdrawal of former picks Dr. Casey Means and Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, both former Fox News contributors. Her background in radiology, authorship of health‑focused books such as “Make America Healthy Again,” and outspoken criticism of vaccine‑skeptic rhetoric have positioned her as a strong defender of science‑based public health policy.
Support from the Trump administration
President Trump has praised Dr. Saphier’s commitment to evidence‑based medicine and her willingness to confront misinformation. “We need a surgeon general who will stand up for American families and protect our children’s health,” the President said in a statement following the hearing. The administration’s response underscores its dedication to safeguarding public health while respecting parental rights and religious liberty.
Senate confirmation remains pending, but the hearing demonstrated a clear alignment between the nominee’s medical stance and the Trump administration’s broader health agenda.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
