The US health department, led by HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, is launching a significant research initiative to investigate the causes of autism, despite established scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause the condition. Kennedy, a vaccine critic, discussed the initiative with President Donald Trump, who suggested vaccines might be linked to rising autism rates. Critics, including autism advocacy groups, express concern that the research may revive discredited theories. The study's details remain unclear, and the hiring of David Geier, known for promoting vaccine-autism links, raises further alarms.