Trump surgeon general nominee backs MMR vaccine and rejects autism link

President Donald Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, Dr. Nicole Saphier, told senators she supports the MMR vaccine and does not believe childhood vaccines cause autism. At a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Saphier said the measles, mumps and rubella shot is an important tool against measles, which has been increasing in the U.S. She also disagreed with comments questioning the vaccine’s safety and said she has not seen credible evidence linking vaccines to autism. Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor, would become the federal government’s top public health spokesperson if confirmed. She also said she supports early cancer screening, wants more review of flavored ecigarettes, and would study the effects of AI chatbots on children and teens. Her nomination follows earlier changes to Trump’s surgeon general pick after previous candidates failed to gain enough support in the Senate.