Trump confirms he has no plans to ban the polio vaccine: "It's not going to happen."

On Monday, President-elect Donald Trump refuted rumors that his administration would prohibit the polio vaccine, stating, "It's not going to happen."

The New York Times reported on Friday that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, has a history of challenging the effectiveness of vaccines and previously petitioned to halt the distribution of 13 vaccines, including the polio vaccine, while working for nonprofit Informed Consent Action Network.

The report prompted criticism of Kennedy's nomination, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stating that "attempts to undermine public trust in established treatments are … perilous."

Trump stated during a press conference at his Mar-A-Lago resort that his administration would not ban the polio vaccine, but he requested Kennedy to provide a report on his thoughts about it.

"Trump stated to reporters that there would be reports, but nothing would happen quickly. He added that Kennedy was a very rational individual, which he found out during his time with him."

Trump reiterated that you won't lose the polio vaccine.

Trump highlighted to reporters that he has friends who have been impacted by polio and emphasized how the vaccine put an end to it. He also commended Dr. Jonas Salk, the inventor of the first polio vaccine, for his dedication to helping individuals like his friends.

Trump addressed rumors about a ban on the polio vaccine, but also expressed concern about the increasing autism rates in the US, which Kennedy has linked to vaccines.

"Trump stated that he would investigate the reason behind the significant increase in autism rates over the past 20, 25, and 30 years, which is approximately 100 times higher."

The Trump transition team spokesperson stated that Mr. Kennedy believes the polio vaccine should be made accessible to the public and thoroughly studied.