Overview

• On CNN’s State of the Union, Joseph Ladapo said “absolutely not” when asked if his department projected disease impacts before advocating the rollback.
• Ladapo framed the move as a matter of parental rights and morality, saying mandates are unethical and arguing he does not need analyses to make that judgment.
• Jake Tapper cited a Florida Health Department report noting rising religious exemptions and increases in hepatitis A, whooping cough, and chickenpox cases as he pressed Ladapo on preparedness.
• DeSantis announced the phaseout effort last week, and Ladapo has led the public case after previously denouncing school vaccine requirements as immoral and likening them to slavery.
• Major medical groups oppose removing mandates, and political backing is uncertain with figures like Sen. Rick Scott favoring exemptions over repeal as President Trump urges caution.