Overview

• John Rich recounted advising Donald Trump in 2022 to avoid discussing COVID-19 vaccines after the former president questioned why his supporters were booing him at rallies.
• Rich attributed the negative reaction to deep-seated distrust of federal health agencies like the CDC and NIH, which he described as untrustworthy by conservative voters.
• The conversation took place during a meeting with Republican lawmakers, including Senators Lindsey Graham, Marsha Blackburn, and Bill Hagerty, and was pivotal in shaping Trump's campaign messaging.
• Rich also cited personal accounts of vaccine injuries as a factor influencing the audience's skepticism and dissatisfaction with vaccine discussions.
• The revelation highlights the evolving political communication strategies in response to ideological divides and voter sentiment, particularly surrounding public health issues.