Foreign aid stories

Jul 29, 2026

Trump Administration Releases $600 Million in Frozen Funds for Global Vaccine Program

The Trump administration announced it will immediately release $600 million in congressionally appropriated funds for Gavi, the global vaccine alliance serving the world's poorest countries. The funds had been withheld due to unsubstantiated safety concerns raised by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Jul 29, 20261 source

Top claims

▪Anti-vaccine groups claim thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative used in vaccines, is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, despite studies showing no safety issues.
▪U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. withheld Gavi funding in June 2025 over unsubstantiated safety concerns regarding mercury-based preservatives in vaccines.
▪The U.S. State Department released the $600 million after Gavi committed to transitioning away from mercury-containing vaccines and expanding mercury-free alternatives.

People involved

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Donald Trump

Subtopics

Government and Regulatory Policy1 Public healthcare1 U.S. domestic politics1 Vaccine policy1 Vaccines and Immunization Policy1

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