Trump orders review of school vaccine mandates

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday directing federal agencies to review school vaccine mandates and consider splitting the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) shot into three separate vaccines.

The move comes as the country faces its worst measles outbreak in nearly 30 years, with more than 1,000 cases reported so far this year—mostly in unvaccinated children. Health officials warn that the resurgence is driven by vaccine refusal and misinformation, with outbreaks concentrated in communities where immunization rates have dropped below 90%. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called the outbreak “completely preventable” and urges high vaccination rates to stop transmission.

Trump’s order follows years of anti-vaccine rhetoric from some of his supporters, including celebrities and activists who falsely link vaccines to autism. While the MMR vaccine has been thoroughly studied and proven safe by global health authorities, skepticism persists—especially online. The order does not immediately change any mandates but signals a shift in federal policy that could embolden states to weaken vaccination requirements. Public health groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have condemned the move, calling it dangerous and unsupported by science.

Legal and public health experts say the order could face immediate legal challenges, with states and school districts likely to resist changes that lower vaccination rates. Meanwhile, health officials are ramping up outreach to parents in outbreak zones, using mobile clinics and community leaders to rebuild trust. The stakes are high: measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, and even small drops in vaccination coverage can lead to explosive outbreaks. The outcome of this review could shape school health policies nationwide—and determine whether more children get sick.