日本語
한국어
Tiếng Việt
简体中文
President Donald Trump has issued a direct challenge to pharmaceutical companies, calling on them to “justify the success” of their COVID-19 drugs. This demand follows closely on the heels of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implementing new restrictions on who qualifies for the latest COVID-19 vaccine approvals, limiting them primarily to individuals at higher risk of severe illness.
In a recent Truth Social post, Trump stated, “It is very important that the Drug Companies justify the success of their various Covid Drugs. Many people think they are a miracle that saved Millions of lives. Others disagree!” This statement underscores a growing public debate surrounding the efficacy and transparency of pandemic-era pharmaceuticals.
The President’s remarks are set against a backdrop of significant upheaval within federal health agencies. Just last week, Trump dismissed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Susan Monarez after she reportedly refused to resign. This high-profile termination was followed by the resignations of four other senior CDC officials, including Demetre Daskalakis, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, signaling a deep internal crisis. Trump expressed his frustration, declaring, “With CDC being ripped apart over this question, I want the answer, and I want it NOW.”
Trump also highlighted a perceived lack of public disclosure from drug manufacturers. “I have been shown information from Pfizer, and others, that is extraordinary, but they never seem to show those results to the public. Why not???” he questioned. Pfizer has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the President’s remarks.
This leadership turmoil at the CDC is a direct consequence of sweeping changes initiated by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic. Kennedy has been actively overhauling federal health agencies, implementing mass firings, dismantling a key government vaccine advisory panel, and halting studies into mRNA shot technology. His actions aim to reshape U.S. immunization policies, sparking considerable controversy.
President Trump urged pharmaceutical companies to enhance transparency regarding their research and results, stating it would help “clear up this MESS.” He criticized drugmakers for allowing a contentious environment where “everyone rip themselves apart, including Bobby Kennedy Jr. and CDC, trying to figure out the success or failure of the Drug Companies Covid work.” Despite these criticisms, Trump continues to champion Operation Warp Speed, his previous administration’s initiative to accelerate the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics.
However, Secretary Kennedy’s stance starkly contrasts with established scientific consensus, as he has consistently downplayed the efficacy of vaccinations. This has drawn sharp condemnation from the public health community. In a recent New York Times guest essay, a coalition of nine former directors and acting directors of the CDC collectively warned that Kennedy’s actions are “endangering” the health of Americans.
“What [Kennedy] has done to the C.D.C. and to our nation’s public health system over the past several months — culminating in his decision to fire Dr. Susan Monarez as C.D.C. director days ago — is unlike anything we have ever seen at the agency, and unlike anything our country has ever experienced,” the group wrote. They concluded by expressing grave concerns about the far-reaching impact of these decisions on America’s health security.