RFK’s Autism Science Purge

HHS chief RFK Jr. cut NIOSH’s autism–environment unit and slashed broader autism research while unveiling a $50M “real studies” program, centralizing control over findings. The purge coincides with chemical/pollution rollbacks, narrowing which evidence can shape policy. — Shows how political leaders can rewire federal research to preordain narratives on vaccines, toxins, and autism, undermining evidence-based regulation and public trust in health institutions.