RFK Jr. proposes placebo trials for new vaccines, raising concerns among experts about ethics and vaccine access.

RFK Jr. Pushes for Placebo Trials in New Vaccine Approvals

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has announced a major shift in vaccine testing: all new vaccines will now be required to undergo placebo-controlled trials before they can be approved for public use. This move, described by the agency as a “radical departure from past practices,” is intended to increase transparency around vaccine safety and efficacy.

What’s Changing in Vaccine Testing?

Under the proposed rule, every new vaccine must be tested in studies where some participants receive the actual vaccine, while others get a placebo-an inactive substance like saline. The goal, according to HHS, is to provide clearer data about the safety and effectiveness of new vaccines before they reach the public.

Why Are Experts Concerned?

While placebo trials are standard for brand-new vaccines, many health experts warn that requiring them for updates to existing vaccines-such as annual COVID-19 boosters-could be both unethical and risky. Withholding a proven vaccine from some participants just to test a new version could put people at unnecessary risk, especially when effective options already exist.

“If every modification to an existing vaccine required a new placebo-controlled trial, they are treading in ethically dubious territory and likely to deny Americans life-saving vaccines at some point,” said a former FDA official.

Which Vaccines Will Be Affected?

The agency has not yet defined what counts as a “new” vaccine. While the annual flu shot is exempt due to its long history of safety, officials have hinted that significant updates to existing vaccines, like the COVID-19 shot, could fall under the new rules-potentially delaying their release.

Transparency or Trouble?

Supporters of the move argue it will bring “radical transparency” to the process, making it clear what is known-and unknown-about new vaccines. However, critics say the policy could slow down vaccine approvals, reduce access, and even fuel public mistrust in immunizations.

The Bottom Line

RFK Jr.’s push for placebo-controlled trials in all new vaccine approvals is shaking up the U.S. vaccine landscape. While the intention is to boost public trust, many experts warn that the policy could backfire-delaying vital vaccines and raising ethical dilemmas about how we protect public health.

In summary:
RFK Jr.’s new vaccine trial policy aims for more transparency but faces strong criticism from health experts who fear it could slow access to critical vaccines and pose ethical challenges.

Trump’s White House invites MAGA influencers for special briefings, sparking debate over media access and authenticity.

In a striking departure from tradition, the Trump administration is now hosting exclusive White House briefings tailored for social media influencers and digital creators-ushering in a bold new chapter in political communications.

Why the Change?

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt explained the rationale: “Tens of millions of Americans are now turning to social media and independent media outlets to consume their news, and we are embracing that change, not ignoring it.” The administration’s message is clear-all voices, not just those from legacy media, now have a seat at the table.

Who Gets Access?

Despite the inclusive rhetoric, a closer look reveals that nearly all of the 25 influencers identified at these briefings have strong ties to the Trump administration or are vocal supporters of the president. Some have even previously worked for Trump or maintain close relationships with his inner circle. Notable attendees include former press secretary Sean Spicer and conservative media personalities like Eric Bolling and Jack Posobiec.

Inside the Briefings

The sessions are designed for digital engagement, with influencers asking questions and sharing soundbites across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X. Many questions have focused on hot-button issues such as immigration, gun rights, and election integrity, often echoing the administration’s talking points. The briefings are also livestreamed, further amplifying their reach.

Reactions and Criticism

The influencer briefings have ignited a firestorm online. Critics on the left argue the events are “pure propaganda” and little more than echo chambers for pro-Trump messaging, while some on the right complain that hardcore MAGA voices are still being left out. Others question the authenticity of these sessions, arguing that the public turned to influencers for independent perspectives-not orchestrated access to power.

“The entire reason the public turned to these influencers is because they wanted authenticity and the truth. These briefings are the opposite of authentic,” one right-wing publicist commented.

Legacy Media Sidelined

This pivot comes amid ongoing tensions with traditional outlets. The Associated Press, for example, was recently barred from major White House events after refusing to adopt specific language preferred by the administration. The influencer briefings are widely seen as a move to bypass legacy media and control the narrative more tightly.

What’s Next?

While it’s unclear how frequently these influencer briefings will occur, the shift signals a new approach to White House communications-one that prioritizes social media reach over established press credentials. Whether this strategy will reshape public trust or deepen divides remains to be seen.

In summary

The Trump White House’s new influencer briefings are redefining who gets access to power, sparking fierce debate about transparency, authenticity, and the future of political media.

A Russian drone attack on Kharkiv injured nearly 50, sparking fires and damaging homes as Ukraine calls for stronger air defense support.

Night of Terror: Russian Drones Hit Kharkiv Homes

Late Friday, Kharkiv-Ukraine’s second-largest city-was rocked by a mass Russian drone assault that left at least 46 people injured, including children. The attack struck a high-rise apartment block and multiple locations across four central districts, igniting fires and causing widespread destruction to homes, civilian infrastructure, and vehicles.

Civilians Caught in the Crossfire

Officials reported that the drones, many of them Iranian-made Shahed models, targeted residential neighborhoods while families were at home for the night. Among the wounded was an 11-year-old child, with eight people hospitalized in moderate condition. Emergency crews worked through the night to extinguish fires and rescue survivors, even as fears of further strikes lingered.

Zelenskyy: “No Military Targets-Just Homes”

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes, emphasizing that there were no military targets in the areas hit-only homes and families. He called on Ukraine’s allies in the United States and Europe to urgently strengthen the country’s air defenses, warning that delays in support are costing lives every night.

“Russia attacks when people are in their homes, putting their children to bed,” Zelenskyy said, urging for “strong and real decisions” from Ukraine’s partners.

Wider Escalation: Attacks Beyond Kharkiv

The Kharkiv assault was part of a broader wave of violence. Hours earlier, Russian strikes hit Zaporizhzhia, injuring 29 people. In the Kherson region, a civilian died when a drone exploded as he tried to move it from his home. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have intercepted a large number of Ukrainian drones over its own territory, reporting damage but no casualties.

Ceasefire Claims Met With Skepticism

Russia has announced a three-day ceasefire to coincide with its World War II commemorations, but Ukrainian officials dismissed it as a symbolic gesture with little real impact on the ground27. As the war grinds on, Kharkiv remains a frequent target due to its proximity to the Russian border and strategic significance.
As Kharkiv’s residents reel from another night of drone attacks, Ukraine’s calls for stronger international support grow louder. Will the world respond before the next strike?