Weeks before Kennedy ousted Monarez, HHS announced that it was terminating 22 research projects focused on the development of mRNA—the revolutionary technology that enabled the creation of the COVID vaccines and saved millions of lives. Not only did Kennedy cancel $500 million worth of mRNA projects, but HHS also announced that “no new mRNA-based projects will be initiated.” Thanks to mRNA research, the COVID vaccines were developed and administered more quickly than any vaccine in history. Instead of building upon this research to prepare for future pandemics, Kennedy claims that HHS is “moving beyond the limitations of mRNA and investing in better solutions.”