In a move that caught many by surprise, former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the latest COVID-19 booster shot during a campaign event this week — a stance that directly undercuts independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his long-standing vaccine skepticism.
During a rally in Florida, Trump stated:
“I took the booster. It’s a personal choice, but I believe it works — especially for older Americans. We saved millions of lives with Operation Warp Speed.”
The comment immediately sent shockwaves through political circles and social media, with many interpreting it as a calculated jab at RFK Jr., who has built much of his campaign identity on questioning vaccine safety and government health mandates.
RFK Jr., who has often criticized both Trump and President Biden for their handling of the pandemic, did not respond directly but posted a vague message on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Leadership means standing firm on principles, not bending for political convenience.”
Observers say Trump’s move may be part of a broader strategy to appeal to moderate and older voters, who supported vaccine rollouts but remain skeptical of government overreach. Some also speculate it’s a way for Trump to reclaim credit for the vaccines, which were developed during his administration but later became politically divisive.
Polls show that while a significant portion of Trump’s base remains skeptical of vaccines, his endorsement of the booster may not hurt him — and might even expand his appeal among undecided voters wary of anti-vaccine rhetoric.
Meanwhile, RFK Jr.’s campaign faces increasing scrutiny, as critics argue that his anti-vaccine messaging is alienating potential supporters in a race where public health continues to be a major issue.
