U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a halt to nearly $500 million in federal funding for mRNA vaccine projects. The decision has been met with mixed reactions — some see it as a responsible reallocation of resources, while others fear it will undermine future pandemic preparedness. The mRNA technology, made famous during the COVID-19 pandemic, has shown potential in fighting other diseases, including certain cancers. Health experts worry that cutting funding now could slow medical innovation. Meanwhile, political opponents accuse the administration of making the move based on ideology rather than science.