Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told lawmakers White House did not order him to stop discussing vaccines before November midterms.
During a congressional hearing, Kennedy emphasized nutrition and food safety but avoided mentioning his vaccine policy overhaul efforts.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and food policy adviser Calley Means also denied any instruction to avoid vaccine talk.
A recent court ruling blocked key elements of Kennedy’s plan to rewrite U.S. vaccine policy and revamp a CDC advisory panel.