Fact Check: Donald Trump's administration canceled a $766 million award to Moderna for the research and development of H5N1 bird flu vaccines.

Fact Check: "Donald Trump's administration canceled a $766 million award to Moderna for the research and development of H5N1 bird flu vaccines."

What We Know

The claim that the Trump administration canceled a $766 million contract with Moderna for the development of a vaccine against the H5N1 bird flu virus is accurate. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the termination of this contract, which was part of a broader initiative to develop vaccines for potential pandemic influenza viruses, including H5N1. This decision was based on concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of the mRNA technology used in the vaccine development process (NPR, AP News).

The funding had been awarded through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), with the contract amounting to $766 million, which included $176 million awarded in July 2024 and $590 million in January 2025 (AP News, NBC News). The cancellation was described as a shift in federal vaccine funding priorities towards platforms with more established safety profiles (NPR).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, as multiple reputable news sources confirm the cancellation of the contract. NPR reported that HHS's decision was influenced by a rigorous review that deemed further investment in the mRNA vaccine as "not scientifically or ethically justifiable" (NPR). This aligns with statements from HHS officials who emphasized the need for transparency and safety in vaccine development.

Critics of the decision, including public health experts, have expressed concern that this cancellation could undermine U.S. preparedness for potential influenza pandemics, particularly given the evolving nature of the H5N1 virus (NPR). The reliability of the sources reporting on this matter is high, as they include established news organizations like NPR, AP News, and NBC News, which are known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking practices.

However, it is important to note that some sources have criticized the administration's rationale for the cancellation, suggesting that the fears surrounding mRNA technology may be overstated (NPR). This indicates a potential bias in the framing of the decision, as the discussion around vaccine safety and efficacy is often polarized.

Conclusion

The claim that Donald Trump's administration canceled a $766 million award to Moderna for the research and development of H5N1 bird flu vaccines is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the HHS terminated the contract due to concerns about the safety and efficacy of the mRNA vaccine technology. The decision reflects a significant shift in federal priorities regarding pandemic preparedness and vaccine funding.

Sources

1. Trump administration pulls the plug on the bird flu vaccine : NPR
2. Trump administration cancels $766 million Moderna contract to fight ...
3. US cancels more than $700 million funding for Moderna ...
4. Trump administration cancels $766 million Moderna contract to fight ...
5. Trump administration yanks Moderna's bird flu vaccine ...
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7. In axing mRNA contract, Trump delivers another blow to US biosecurity ...
8. HHS Misleads on mRNA Vaccine Safety After Pulling Moderna Funding