Trump says "big discussion" over childhood vaccine programs is coming

• Trump said he would have a "big discussion" with Kennedy about potentially ending childhood vaccination programs.
• "The autism rate is at a level that nobody ever believed possible," the President-elect told TIME. "If you look at things that are happening, there's something causing it."
• While Trump didn't directly say vaccines cause autism, he signaled he was "going to be listening to Bobby" on vaccines. Kennedy has promoted the disproven theory that autism has become more common due to vaccines.
• He said he wants "to see the numbers" when asked whether he believes there is a link between vaccines and autism.

Reality check: Several studies into links between vaccines and autism have found no evidence of a connection.

• The theory that autism is connected to vaccines stems from a study published in 1998, which linked the measles vaccine (MMR) to autism.
• Andrew Wakefield's study was debunked and retracted after publication — and he subsequently lost his medical license.

Yes, but: While autism rates have increased, experts say much of the shift can be attributed to rising awareness of the condition and changes in how it is diagnosed and screened.

What they're saying: "We're going to do what's good for the country," Trump said when asked about vaccines.

• Asked if he might get rid of some vaccines, Trump said, "It could if I think it's dangerous, if I think they are not beneficial, but I don't think it's going to be very controversial in the end."

Go deeper: Scoop: Trump, RFK Jr. dine with Pfizer and Lilly execs