RFK Jr.'s Vaccine Agenda Faces Boston Judge with History of Rulings Against Trump

Judge Brian Murphy, appointed by Biden, has previously blocked key parts of Trump's immigration and energy policies.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s efforts to revise U.S. immunization policies are set to go before a federal judge in Boston, Brian Murphy, who has previously ruled against policies pushed by former President Donald Trump. The medical groups argue that Kennedy and the agencies he oversees are reshaping federal policies in ways that could increase barriers to getting vaccinated, contribute to distrust in vaccines and reduce immunization rates.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between public health priorities and political agendas, as well as the role of the judiciary in mediating these disputes. Judge Murphy's history of rulings against Trump administration policies suggests he may be inclined to side with the medical groups challenging Kennedy's vaccine agenda.

The details

Kennedy, who has questioned aspects of vaccine safety and efficacy, was appointed by Trump last year as the U.S. government's top health official. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other plaintiffs are asking Murphy to block the CDC's revised childhood immunization schedule and prevent Kennedy's appointed vaccine advisory panel from meeting. They argue the CDC acted unlawfully and that the reconstituted panel is biased against vaccines.

  • The hearing before Judge Murphy is scheduled for Friday, February 12, 2026.
  • The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is set to meet on February 25-26, 2026.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, who has questioned aspects of vaccine safety and efficacy.

Judge Brian Murphy

A federal judge in Boston appointed by President Biden, who has previously ruled against key Trump administration policies on immigration, research funding, and offshore wind energy.

American Academy of Pediatrics

One of the medical groups challenging Kennedy's vaccine agenda and the CDC's revised childhood immunization schedule.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who appointed Kennedy to his current role and has criticized Judge Murphy's rulings.

Joe Biden

The current U.S. President who appointed Judge Murphy to the federal bench in Massachusetts.

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What they’re saying

“I'm sure when you imagined your first months on the bench, you expected a quiet start, where you'd learn the ropes. But as the saying goes, sometimes the judiciary has plans for you.”

— Ed Markey, U.S. Senator (Video remarks at Judge Murphy's swearing-in ceremony)

What’s next

The judge is expected to rule on the plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction that would prevent the CDC from implementing its revised childhood immunization schedule and block Kennedy's vaccine advisory panel from meeting.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between public health priorities and political agendas, as well as the critical role of the judiciary in mediating these disputes. The outcome could have significant implications for vaccine policies and public trust in the U.S. healthcare system.