Our annual recap of the worst falsehoods of the year.
The Whoppers of 2025
Issues: mRNA vaccines
RFK Jr. Justifies Cuts to mRNA Vaccine Projects With Falsehoods
In justifying the government’s termination of $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine projects, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. falsely claimed mRNA vaccines “fail to protect effectively” against COVID-19 and suggested they are unsafe. The mRNA shots saved millions of lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and have shown promise against influenza.
HHS Misleads on mRNA Vaccine Safety After Pulling Moderna Funding
The Department of Health and Human Services has defended cuts to vaccine research with statements that mislead on the safety of mRNA technology, despite an extensive history of testing.
Social Media Posts Misinterpret Biden on mRNA Cancer Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines are not “being used to cure cancer,” as social media posts falsely claim, misinterpreting President Joe Biden’s reference to mRNA cancer vaccines during his State of the Union address. Biden was referring to the mRNA technology used to make the COVID-19 vaccines and being studied by researchers to treat cancer.