Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene sparked outrage on Monday when she claimed that vaccines cause autism and called them crimes against humanity.
Greene, known for her far-right views, has been a longtime critic of COVID-19 vaccines. She has previously said she never got vaccinated and has pushed unproven claims that the shots cause cancer and deaths. On Monday, she went further by embracing a false theory promoted by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that vaccines are linked to autism in children.
Greene wrote on social media platform X, I fully believe vaccines cause Autism. It’s another example of crimes against humanity. And innocent babies, children, and their families are the victims.” She also shared a video featuring Kennedy, who claimed that vaccines cause autism and that children who catch measles naturally are healthier later in life. Kennedy dismissed scientific studies showing no link between vaccines and autism as corrupt.
Greene’s post was quickly fact-checked. X users added a note with links to 19 studies, including from the CDC and Mayo Clinic, that clearly state “vaccines do not cause autism.” Experts have repeatedly debunked this claim.
Many critics, including people from both political parties, pushed back against Greene’s statement. Charles Fain Lehman from the conservative Manhattan Institute cited a study of over 600,000 Danish children showing no link between vaccines and autism. Others, like liberal influencer Yashar Ali, pointed out that this myth stems from a single, fraudulent study that has since been discredited.
Medical professionals also criticized Greene’s claims. Dr. Mike Varshavski explained that Kennedy’s arguments are based on flawed data, while Dr. Peter Hotez highlighted evidence from his research showing no connection between vaccines and autism.
Greene’s statement also comes as former President Donald Trump questioned rising autism rates during a press conference. Trump expressed support for the polio vaccine but opposed schools mandating other vaccines for children, echoing some of the same concerns raised by Greene and Kennedy.
Critics say Greene’s remarks are dangerous and spread misinformation, especially given her role as an elected official. Experts warn that such claims undermine trust in vaccines, which have been proven safe and effective in preventing serious diseases.