Trump Cancels Multimillion-Dollar Moderna Contract Amid Doubts Over Bird Flu Vaccine

In a move widely supported among conservative circles and pharmaceutical skeptics, President Donald J. Trump’s administration has officially announced the cancellation of a federal contract with Moderna valued at over $700 million. The agreement aimed to develop an mRNA vaccine against avian flu and other pre-pandemic influenza viruses.

This decision marks a significant break from the strategy followed by the Biden administration, which aggressively promoted experimental mRNA technologies as a preventive response to potential outbreaks during its tenure. The Trump administration, on the other hand, emphasized that this measure comes after a rigorous scientific and ethical review of the project and its implications.

An Unnecessary and Potentially Risky Vaccine

In statements released Thursday, White House officials noted that the technical review of the Moderna contract concluded that investment in this technology for an H5N1 vaccine is not justified scientifically or ethically. The reason: the risk of transmission to humans remains marginal, while the mRNA platform continues to raise growing concerns about safety and efficacy.

“We will not compromise the health of the citizens of the U.S. nor waste public funds on treatments that have yet to prove long-term safety,” said a spokesperson for the Trump administration. “This is not a political decision; it’s a common-sense decision backed by evidence.”

Lessons from COVID-19 and Growing Skepticism

The decision to cancel this contract comes at a critical moment. In recent months, various critical voices have gained traction in the public debate. Among them is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has denounced the lack of transparency and the interests of the pharmaceutical-industrial complex surrounding mRNA vaccines. The COVID-19 experience, in which millions were vaccinated with mRNA technology under rushed circumstances, has left a legacy of skepticism.

Adverse effects reported by thousands of citizens and the lack of conclusive long-term studies remain hot topics. For the Trump administration, there simply isn’t enough trust or clinical backing to continue betting on a technology whose results are still under scientific review.

A Shift in U.S. Health Policy

Under the Biden administration, the Moderna contract was one of the government’s main commitments to prepare the country for potential pandemics. The vaccine, which was in Phase 3 trial stages, was part of an approach aimed at replicating the “rapid response” used during the COVID-19 emergency.

However, the current administration has chosen a different path—one in which caution, safety, and budgetary responsibility take precedence. “Investing in public health should not mean writing blank checks to pharmaceutical companies without concrete results,” declared the health secretary appointed by Trump.

Support from the Republican Electorate and a Commitment to Transparency

The decision has been praised by numerous Republican lawmakers, independent doctors, and citizens who distrust the dominant narrative surrounding experimental vaccines. “Finally, a president who stands with the people, not big pharma,” commented Senator Ron Johnson on social media, known for his advocacy of informed consent and medical transparency.

This move aligns with Trump’s campaign promise to return power to the people and reduce corporate influence over public health. As his second term progresses, these actions strengthen his image as a disruptive leader unafraid to confront powerful economic interests.

Next Steps and a Clear Message

Canceling the Moderna contract does not mean the U.S. government is stepping away from vaccine development but demands a higher standard of evidence, safety, and ethics. “It’s not about rejecting innovation, but ensuring it’s reliable, safe, and serves the people—not shareholders,” the spokesperson concluded.

With this measure, the Trump administration sends a strong message: public health will not be managed with fear, hidden agendas, or half-baked science. The priority is the safety of U.S. citizens, and any investment must be based on solid data and institutional responsibility.