Trump and RFK Jr. may usher in a blue tsunami

An opinion piece argues that vaccine debates helped drive unexpected Democratic wins in recent off‑year elections and that actions by President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have introduced controversy and changes into U.S. vaccine policy.

Democrats won a series of unexpectedly large victories in recent off‑year elections, a result the article describes as a "blue tsunami." The piece argues that vaccine policy and public concern about routine immunizations emerged as an influential issue in those races. It reports that the Trump administration and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have proposed and advanced notable changes to vaccine advisory processes and schedules. The article frames these developments as politically consequential as the U.S. heads toward the midterms. Key points: - Democrats won a range of races in the recent off‑year elections, which the article calls a "blue tsunami." - The article reports the United States has surpassed 1,900 measles cases this year and says the country may lose its measles elimination status. - It states President Trump has floated proposals affecting the MMR vaccine and ordered reviews of longstanding vaccine schedules. - The article reports that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reshaped the vaccine advisory panel, replacing members with individuals the article describes as conspiracy theorists, and that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended delaying infant hepatitis B vaccination. - Cited polling in the article indicates broad public support for routine vaccines across party lines, including figures reported as 85 percent saying vaccines save lives and strong support among Trump and swing voters for childhood vaccines. Summary: The article argues vaccine controversies have become a defining midterm issue and that Democrats are being cast as the party aligned with established medical guidance and steady public‑health leadership. It suggests this dynamic contributed to recent Democratic electoral success and could influence upcoming races. Undetermined at this time.