Trump: Anti-Vaxx? Think Again — The Truth Behind the Narrative That’s Bothering All of Us

The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter #307

Some of the most effortless writing I ever do starts as a question about something that bothers me…and keeps bothering me.

The kind of “bothering” happens when you’re in bed at night, and you find yourself not being settled with how something is happening, why, and the bullshit reasons you’ve detected that you’ve been given…and don’t have any explanations other than the ones being provided.

It’s when every fiber of my body is vibrating in a way that communicates, “This smells like an over-filled shit-house in August!” Finally, when I can’t stand it any longer… I just have to pause whatever else I’m working on…and scratch my itch.

Trump and "Anti-Vaxxer? No F’ing Way

We’ve heard for years now that Trump and MAGA are “anti-vaxxers.” Maybe MAGA, as far as his hardcore cultists, who follow his every suggestion, but…I don’t believe for one Goddamn minute that Donald Trump is an anti-vaxxer.

He’s a reported germaphobe and scared of his shadow regarding the disease. There’s not a snowball’s chance in hell he doesn’t get every vaccination available for a man his age.

I believe the same thing about 90% of the Republicans in Congress. They may talk a big game about not trusting scientists or not believing that vaccines work, and question whether they’re safe…but I’ll bet you a fresh banana pie with homemade whip cream…their happy asses are vaccinated.

It’s Not About What They Tell Us It’s About: It’s Just Not

The Trump administration's approach to issues like vaccines and science almost certainly goes beyond a simple belief that vaccines are dangerous or that scientists "get it wrong."

I took some time to step back from this issue…and get some emotional detachment…and examine the factors that were…and very likely…still are…driving the position and approach by the Trump admin.

Here are a few potential motives and incentives that could be (very likely are) influencing their stance:

*Political Base and Populism

Appealing to Anti-Establishment Sentiment:

Trump often positions himself as an outsider…against the so-called "elite"….including mainstream scientists…medical experts…and government institutions.

This populist rhetoric can be a way to resonate with voters who feel alienated from traditional politics and institutions, including the scientific community.

Catering to the Anti-Establishment Movement:

By challenging the scientific community or downplaying the importance of vaccines, Trump was aligning himself with a portion of his political base that views mainstream science and medical advice as part of the establishment they're rebelling against.

*Alignment with Specific Interest Groups

Pharmaceutical Industry and Libertarian Principles:

Trump's administration was highly sympathetic to free-market principles, which might explain a resistance to government-mandated vaccines.

Many of his policies were aimed at reducing regulatory oversight…which aligns with the interests of large industries…including pharmaceuticals…who prefer fewer restrictions on their products.

Personal Liberties and Government Overreach:

During the Pandemic, some within the Trump administration believed (if you listen to them closely…they said so) that pushing back against vaccine mandates was more about preserving personal freedom than questioning the science behind them.

No one’s personal freedom should be a higher priority than the health of the nation…and the world…as a whole during a Pandemic. It simply does not allow for carrying out the most effective means of limiting the spread of disease.

This view was tied to the broader conservative argument about limiting government intervention in personal lives.

In a practical approach to a Pandemic, “Republican” and “Democratic” views should fade to the background as the scientific community leads the way.

*Media Influence and Disinformation

Influence of Right-Wing Media:

The rise of right-wing media outlets and personalities who questioned the efficacy or safety of vaccines…often in dramatic or alarmist tones…no doubt played a role.

Trump and his administration were frequently supported or endorsed by these outlets… which often promoted an anti-science or vaccine-skeptical narrative.

A “You scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours” relationship that played a role in the deaths of well over a Million American citizens.

Pushing Back Against Criticism:

Trump was also quick to frame any criticism of his administration’s handling of the pandemic as part of a political attack.

Dismissing scientific recommendations was great way to deflect blame for the handling of the crisis…particularly when key figures in public health were openly critical of his approach.

*Re-election Strategy and Public Perception

Appealing to Voters Who Distrust the Establishment:

Trump’s rhetoric around vaccine hesitancy and science apear to have been tailored to a base of voters who were already inclined to distrust government agencies or institutions.

Aligning with the "anti-vax" sentiment in some circles…could have been a strategic move to retain that support…particularly in swing states where such views were more prominent.

Public Relations and Image:

Admitting mistakes or endorsing policies that are broadly aligned with scientific consensus (like encouraging vaccine uptake) were likely viewed as weakening Trump's image as an independent…strong leader who doesn't bend to outside influence.

In contrast, rejecting or minimizing the importance of science could reinforce the "tough" persona he so desperately works to project.

*Tension with Experts and Institutional Science

Distrust of Scientific Authority:

Trump, particularly in the early stages of his presidency…often expressed skepticism about experts and their influence in decision-making.

This distrust extended beyond the medical community…and into other sectors of government…where bureaucrats and experts were often seen as "unelected" officials imposing their will on the public.

Conflict with Dr. Fauci and Other Experts:

Throughout the pandemic, Trump often downplayed or contradicted public health experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci…leading to public conflict over the best way forward in combating the virus.

This could be attributed to a desire to retain control of the narrative and avoid being seen as beholden to the guidance of medical professionals.

*Financial and Lobbying Pressures

Big Business and Economic Concerns:

The Trump administration was highly pro-business…often prioritizing the economy over other considerations, such as public health.

I believe that pushing back against mandates and restrictions and focusing on scientific advisories was seen as a way to keep businesses running and protect economic interests…especially in sectors that COVID-19 restrictions might have significantly impacted.

At the End of the Day

In short, it’s not just about a simplistic view of science being "wrong" or vaccines being inherently dangerous. The motivations almost certainly stem from a mix of political strategy…distrust of institutions…media influence…and business interests.

You…and me, yeah…we are getting dicked over daily…for reasons that have nothing to do with our safety or the health of the country. NOTHING. AT. ALL.

It’s all to benefit Donald Trump.

If it’s considered good for him, then how it impacts others…isn’t even a consideration, at least not one with any significance as far as the Trump admin is concerned.

These factors, combined with a desire to appeal to a certain base of voters…shape the Trump administration's contentious relationship with science and public health policies.

So, the next time you hear RFK Jr., Trump, or some other ass-clown within the administration…bashing…science…medical research…or vaccine effectiveness/safety, keep these things in mind. Most of them don’t believe their own bullshit, but they certainly cherish the personal benefits…of their bullshit.

Best,

Jack

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