Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) did not hold back Sunday when asked about President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on childhood vaccines, calling them “crazy, stupid” during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union.
The Louisiana senator, who is also a physician, said Trump’s comments would make it harder for parents to get their children vaccinated, drive up costs, and ultimately undermine faith in immunization. His remarks came in response to a question from anchor Jake Tapper, who noted that the president had claimed the combined MMR vaccine could be “quite lethal” and compared its size to a bottle of soda or a large vat.
Practical Consequences for Parents
Cassidy spelled out the real-world impact of such claims, focusing on the logistical and financial burden on families. “Let’s just take it from the perspective of the parent,” he said. “Now instead of going to the doctor twice to get their child vaccinated, they have to go six times. Instead of the child getting two jabs, they get six jabs.”
He noted that this would mean more missed work for parents, who would have to take vacation or personal leave to accompany their children to appointments. “This is inconvenient. It’s going to contribute to an increased loss of income,” Cassidy added.
The senator also warned of broader economic effects, saying insurance companies would end up paying for six doctor’s visits instead of two, which he said would “ultimately drive up premiums, going after affordability.” And crucially, he argued, these changes “will do nothing for things like autism. So, in fact, it will be counterproductive.”
‘A Crazy, Stupid Thing’
Tapper pressed Cassidy on the president’s specific claims, including that the MMR vaccine is “quite lethal” and that its size is comparable to “a large vat or what seemingly looks like gallons being pumped into a child’s body.” Tapper reminded Cassidy that the senator had previously said someone needs to stand up to “crazy, stupid things” that undermine faith in immunization, and asked whether Trump was saying some of those things.
“Yeah, that’s a crazy, stupid thing,” Cassidy replied, without hesitation.
The exchange highlights a rare moment of public dissent from a Republican senator on a topic that has become increasingly politicized. Cassidy, who has positioned himself as a pro-vaccine voice in the GOP, has repeatedly stressed the importance of immunization, particularly in light of ongoing public health concerns.
A Growing Divide
Trump’s comments, which have circulated widely on social media and conservative outlets, have drawn criticism from public health experts and some lawmakers. Cassidy’s blunt response underscores the tension within the Republican Party over vaccine policy, as some voices amplify skepticism while others, like Cassidy, push back with scientific and practical arguments.
Cassidy’s remarks on CNN are likely to reignite debate among conservatives, with some praising his willingness to challenge the president and others accusing him of siding with the establishment. But for Cassidy, the issue appears to be a matter of basic public health and common sense.
“In fact, it will be counterproductive,” he said, summarizing the potential harm of adopting Trump’s suggestions.
As the 2026 midterm campaign season heats up, Cassidy’s comments may become a talking point in GOP primaries, where loyalty to Trump remains a key litmus test for many voters. Whether Cassidy’s stance costs him politically remains to be seen, but his message on Sunday was clear: when it comes to vaccines, misinformation has real consequences.
Source: www.breitbart.com — https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/08/16/gop-sen-cassidy-trumps-comments-undermining-faith-in-vaccines-crazy-stupid/