U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and a medical doctor, has called on President Donald Trump to be "radically honest" about vaccines, especially in light of the country experiencing the highest number of measles cases in over 30 years this year. Cassidy emphasized the importance of addressing public concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness, saying that people are worried and need clear, factual information. He urged the president to explain his skepticism about vaccines, asking, "Why do you think this vaccine is lethal?" and "Have you ever seen a case of lethality?" Cassidy pointed to recent measles-related deaths, including a 40-year-old and an 18-year-old, to highlight the real-world consequences of the disease. He compared contracting measles to drunk driving, explaining that while someone might not be harmed directly, spreading the disease can endanger others, especially those with weakened immune systems or young children. The Trump administration has recently encouraged parents to vaccinate their children against measles as cases have risen, but the president has cast doubt on the safety of the vaccine schedule. In a recent Oval Office appearance, President Trump suggested that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine should be split into three separate shots instead of being given as a combined dose. He claimed, without evidence, that the combined vaccine could be "lethal" and announced plans to "demand" that drug companies split up vaccines into five doses given over six-month intervals. He argued that this approach would reduce the risk of autism, a claim that has been widely debunked by medical experts. Cassidy, who is set to leave office early next year, said he approaches the issue as a physician and stressed that vaccines are safe and effective. He called for the president to acknowledge the safety of the current vaccination schedule and to stop spreading misinformation. He also praised the president's nominee for surgeon general, Nicole Saphier, for stating that the MMR vaccine is not lethal and for encouraging people to get vaccinated. Cassidy said that honesty and clarity are essential in ensuring public trust in vaccines and protecting public health.