WASHINGTON — Dr. Nicole Saphier, President Donald Trump’s third nominee for U.S. surgeon general, told a Senate committee on Wednesday that she does not believe childhood vaccines cause autism and supports mandatory measles vaccinations. Her confirmation hearing unfolded as the nation faces its worst measles outbreak in over 35 years, with three confirmed deaths in Pennsylvania linked to the disease.
Saphier, a radiologist and director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, also pledged to divest from pharmaceutical stocks, including holdings in Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, if confirmed. She described the MMR vaccine as “our greatest tool in combating measles epidemics.” The Senate Health Committee, chaired by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), pressed her repeatedly on whether she would affirm the scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause autism.
Senate Scrutiny Over Vaccine Policy
Cassidy, a physician, criticized the Trump administration’s vaccine policies, stating that misinformation had contributed to avoidable measles deaths. He warned Saphier against using “wiggle room” in her responses, citing past nominees who later acted against scientific evidence. Saphier initially hesitated, saying she had “not seen reputable evidence” linking vaccines to autism, but later clarified: “I do not believe childhood vaccines cause autism.”
The hearing also featured two other Trump nominees: Chris Klomp, nominated for deputy secretary of Health and Human Services, and Dr. Timothy Westlake, tapped to lead the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Senators questioned Klomp on measles response, abortion medication access, and drug pricing, while Westlake faced scrutiny over his background in emergency medicine.
Context: A History of Rejected Nominees
Saphier’s nomination follows two previous failed attempts to fill the surgeon general role. Dr. Casey Means, Trump’s second pick, withdrew after bipartisan opposition over her vaccine views, while Dr. Janette Nesheiwat was dropped due to questions about her academic credentials. Saphier, a former Fox News contributor and author of Make America Healthy Again, has previously criticized Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his stance on vaccines and autism, including his department’s hiring of anti-vaccine activist David Geier for autism-related work.
Key Statements from the Hearing
- Saphier on Vaccines: “I see the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine as our greatest tool in combating measles epidemics.” She also reaffirmed support for the hepatitis B vaccine for newborns, as recommended by federal guidelines.
- Cassidy’s Warning: “To suffer from any disease is awful, but to suffer one which is avoidable, that’s even worse.” He emphasized the need for health leaders to base decisions on science, not politics or ideology.
- Ethics Disclosure: Saphier committed to divesting from pharmaceutical stocks and resigning from Empower MD, a company selling her supplements, if confirmed.
Ongoing Public Health Debate
The hearing took place amid a resurgence of measles cases, with health officials attributing the outbreak to declining vaccination rates and misinformation about vaccine safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported over 1,200 measles cases in 2024, the highest since 1992. Kennedy, a prominent anti-vaccine advocate, has long promoted the debunked claim that vaccines cause autism, a position Trump has previously echoed.
Saphier’s confirmation remains uncertain, as the Senate Health Committee must advance her nomination before a full Senate vote. The committee, with a Republican majority, has not yet scheduled a vote.