Trump administration yanks Moderna's bird flu vaccine research funding even as company reports promising test results
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Trump Admin Cancels $766M Moderna Bird Flu Vaccine Contract
Above: The Moderna logo is displayed in Warsaw, Poland, on April 9, 2025. Image copyright: Jakub Porzycki/Contributor/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
This decision shows HHS is returning to rigorous scientific standards and transparent safety protocols, which it lacked under the Biden administration. It signals a commitment to thorough, independently verifiable evaluations rather than the speed-driven development that caused public distrust during the COVID-19 pandemic. Stronger safety thresholds and detailed long-term data should be non-negotiable.
Democratic narrative
This is a politically motivated decision that puts American lives at risk and undermines crucial pandemic preparedness efforts. The attack on mRNA technology contradicts scientific evidence, as these vaccines have been administered billions of times worldwide with proven safety and efficacy. If bird flu begins spreading between humans, this short-sighted decision will have grave consequences.