The appointment of David Geier, a known vaccine skeptic, to lead a federal study investigating a purported link between vaccines and autism has sparked significant controversy. This decision, first reported by The Washington Post, raises concerns about the direction of the nation’s public health agenda under the leadership of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has himself expressed skepticism about vaccines.
The study’s origins date back to early March, initially under the purview of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at the request of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). However, recent reports indicate a shift in responsibility to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with Geier now at the helm. Listed as a senior data analyst in the HHS employee directory, Geier declined to comment on his involvement when contacted by The Washington Post. MaagX.com has also reached out to HHS for clarification but has not yet received a response.
Both Geier and RFK Jr. share a history of supporting the anti-vaccination movement. Geier, often collaborating with his father, Mark Geier, has published research alleging a connection between mercury-based vaccine ingredients and autism—a claim echoed by Kennedy in his critiques of vaccines. Mark Geier has also served as an expert witness in vaccine injury lawsuits, although he has been barred from doing so in some instances. The Geiers have even developed and marketed autism treatments purportedly designed to address mercury-related damage.
Despite these claims, a substantial body of scientific literature has found no link between autism and vaccines or their components. The Geiers’ research has been widely criticized for methodological flaws and misinterpretations, leading to retractions in some cases. While Mark Geier is a physician and geneticist, David Geier holds only a bachelor’s degree in biology. In 2011, the Maryland State Board of Physicians revoked Mark Geier’s medical license due to allegations of patient mistreatment. David Geier was subsequently charged with practicing medicine without a license, allegedly misrepresenting his credentials to his father’s patients.
During his confirmation process, RFK Jr. asserted his willingness to accept scientific evidence refuting a vaccine-autism link. However, his history of dismissing such evidence, even during Senate hearings, raises doubts about his commitment to objective scientific inquiry. Geier’s appointment further fuels concerns that the study’s findings may be predetermined to align with anti-vaccine sentiments.
This development raises serious questions about the integrity of the planned study and the potential implications for public health policy. The scientific community and the public await further information with apprehension.
