Menu
Video: We Are CHD
March 05, 2025

Bhattacharya Opposes Vaccine Mandates, Vows to Tackle Chronic Disease in U.S. Senate Hearing

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH), testified at his Senate confirmation hearing on March 5, outlining his vision for restoring trust in public health. If confirmed, Bhattacharya will report to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Bhattacharya, known for co-authoring the Great Barrington Declaration and strongly opposing COVID-19 lockdowns, highlighted his dedication to medical freedom, scientific transparency and addressing the chronic disease epidemic. You may recall his testimony at Canada’s National Citizens Inquiry in April 2023.

Key Points from Bhattacharya’s Testimony:

  • Opposition to Vaccine Mandates & Censorship: Bhattacharya reaffirmed his stance against vaccine mandates and scientific censorship, arguing that public trust in health agencies has declined due to the suppression of dissenting views.


    

  • Focus on Chronic Disease Epidemic: He criticized the NIH for failing to address the rise in chronic illnesses like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, calling for a major shift in priorities to combat these conditions.
    • 





    

  • Research on Autism and Vaccine Safety: While stating he does not believe in a definitive link between vaccines and autism, Bhattacharya said the sharp increase in autism rates warrants further study, and parents deserve honest, unbiased data.
    • 





    

  • Scientific Transparency & Open Debate: He pledged to promote diverse perspectives within the NIH and reject the previous administration’s rigid “follow the science” approach, which he argued stifled legitimate debate.
    • 





    

  • Regulating Gain-of-Function Research: Bhattacharya called for stricter oversight of research that could create pandemic risks, emphasizing the need for safeguards against dangerous experiments like those suspected of contributing to COVID-19.
    • 





    

  • Restoring NIH’s Mission: He vowed to refocus the NIH’s $50 billion budget on funding groundbreaking, innovative research that directly benefits public health rather than minor, incremental advancements.
    • 



Bhattacharya’s testimony aligned with the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda, signaling a shift in public health policy under the leadership of both Trump and RFK Jr. The Senate committee is expected to vote on his confirmation in the coming days.


You can watch the hearing HERE on CHD.TV.


Source: CHD's The Defender


































*********************************************************************************************************