Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, who served under the Trump administration, has publicly criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for halting approximately $500 million in grants and contracts related to mRNA vaccine development. Adams warned that this funding cut could lead to loss of lives, emphasizing that over 2 million lives have been saved due to mRNA vaccine technology. He accused the decision of undermining vaccine development programs and suggested it concedes scientific leadership to China. Kennedy responded by disputing Adams' claims, citing over 5,000 peer-reviewed studies documenting injuries from COVID-19 vaccines. The debate highlights ongoing tensions over U.S. vaccine policy, with concerns raised by public health officials and media outlets about the potential risks of defunding mRNA research. Adams also called out the NIH Director for defending the funding cuts, stating that such actions threaten public health and undermine what he describes as one of President Trump's most life-saving contributions. Meanwhile, broader discussions continue on public health strategies, including Kennedy's focus on obesity and the influence of agricultural and chemical industries on health policy.