Dr. Thomas Lew

An executive order signed by Donald Trump threatens legal action against states that do not mandate religious or medical exemptions for childhood immunizations. The four states named in the order include California, Connecticut, Maine, and New York. While some health officials criticized the law's authority, political leaders in these targeted states vowed to maintain their existing vaccination rules.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order stating that the attorney general will take legal action against states that do not provide "religious and medical exemptions" for immunization requirements. The order specifically targets states like California, Connecticut, Maine, and New York which lack these nonmedical exemptions. Health officials criticized the move by saying it contributes to misinformation, while others highlighted the need for public health empathy with hesitant parents.