Trump ends $750M Moderna bird flu vaccine deal as HHS cites safety, ethical concerns with mRNA technology.

HHS Shifts Away from mRNA Vaccine Investments

The Department of Health and Human Services under President Donald Trump announced the termination of over $750 million in federal awards previously granted to Moderna for the development of mRNA-based bird flu vaccines. The decision marks a significant rollback of vaccine priorities set during the Biden administration’s final months.

Former President Joe Biden's administration had awarded Moderna $590 million during its last week in office, building on a previous $176 million investment for mRNA vaccine production. These funds were aimed at accelerating the production and research of vaccines using messenger RNA, a technology rapidly deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, HHS Communications Director Andrew Nixon stated the funding was halted following a detailed review. “After a rigorous review, we concluded that continued investment in Moderna’s H5N1 mRNA vaccine was not scientifically or ethically justifiable,” Nixon said. He emphasized that the concerns were rooted in safety, oversight, and the need to restore public trust in vaccine programs.

“This is not simply about efficacy — it’s about safety, integrity, and trust,” Nixon continued. “The reality is that mRNA technology remains under-tested, and we are not going to spend taxpayer dollars repeating the mistakes of the last administration, which concealed legitimate safety concerns from the public.”

Federal Guidelines and Public Health Policy Revisited

The funding decision follows a broader policy shift, as HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be included in federal vaccine recommendations for children and pregnant women. This change aligns with growing concerns over the risk-benefit ratio of mRNA-based immunizations in sensitive populations.

Adding to the controversy, a recent report from Senate Republicans claimed that the Biden administration delayed public disclosures regarding risks tied to mRNA vaccines, particularly myocarditis — a type of heart inflammation. The report criticized federal health agencies for failing to promptly alert healthcare providers and the public about these potential side effects.

“Even though CDC and FDA officials were well aware of the risk of myocarditis following COVID-19 vaccination, the Biden administration opted to withhold issuing a formal warning to the public for months,” the report stated, suggesting that this delay compromised the health of younger Americans.

Moderna Responds, Highlights Vaccine Progress

In response to the funding termination, Moderna released a statement defending the progress of its H5 avian flu vaccine. CEO Stéphane Bancel acknowledged the setback but remained optimistic. “While the termination of funding from HHS adds uncertainty, we are pleased by the robust immune response and safety profile observed in this interim analysis of the Phase 1/2 study of our H5 avian flu vaccine,” he said.

Bancel emphasized Moderna’s commitment to advancing mRNA technology in pandemic preparedness and stated that the company would explore alternative funding pathways to continue development. “These clinical data in pandemic influenza underscore the critical role mRNA technology has played as a countermeasure to emerging health threats,” he added.

The decision to cut funding reflects a broader reevaluation of mRNA’s role in public health policy, with implications for future federal support, pharmaceutical partnerships, and public trust in vaccine safety and transparency.