On January 6, 2026, U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the department's decision to rescind rules established during the Biden administration regarding childcare funding. The previous regulations mandated states to pay childcare providers prior to verifying attendance, a practice that Secretary Kennedy indicated had led to significant fraud, particularly in Minnesota. The HHS will now require payments to be based on verified attendance rather than mere enrollment, reinstating a system that allows for parental choice through vouchers.

Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill noted that upfront payments based on enrollment could lead to abuse, citing credible allegations of fraudulent daycare providers in Minnesota. This move aims to enhance oversight and ensure that taxpayer funds are used appropriately to support working families and provide safe environments for children.

In parallel, the Trump administration has announced a significant overhaul of federal vaccine recommendations for children, which has drawn strong criticism from leading medical organizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reduced the number of recommended vaccines from 18 to 11 diseases, following a directive from President Trump to align U.S. practices with those of other developed nations. Critics, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, argue that these changes lack the necessary scientific rigor and transparency, potentially undermining public trust in vaccination programs.

Dr. Andrew D. Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, described the new recommendations as "dangerous and unnecessary," emphasizing that they no longer advocate for routine immunizations against several diseases that significantly affect children in the U.S. Furthermore, experts have raised concerns that the lack of a transparent decision-making process could jeopardize community health, as the changes may lead to confusion and decreased vaccination rates.

The CDC's new vaccination schedule includes immunizations for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and polio, while additional vaccines are recommended for high-risk groups. The changes will undergo a 30-day comment period before implementation, and states retain the authority to mandate vaccinations for schoolchildren, potentially leading to a fragmented approach across the country.

Overall, these developments in childcare funding and vaccination policies reflect ongoing tensions regarding public health and safety, with significant implications for families and communities across the United States.