The Trump Administration Gave Anti-Vaccine Groups More Than $800,000 In PPP Loans

The Trump administration gave five anti-vaccine groups, which are well-known for spreading false information about Covid-19, more than $850,000 in loans from the federal Paycheck Protection Program. 

Law officials are trying to figure out why the government would give anti-vaccine groups and organizations money for a cause they don’t even believe in.

The National Vaccine Information Center, Mercola Health Resources, the Informed Consent Action Network, the Children’s Health Defense, and the Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center all received loans, according to the advocacy group, Center for Countering Digital Hate. The group, which works to fight the spread of misinformation, used data released in early December by the Small Business Administration. 

Many of the named groups have been kicked off most social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and others. While many have voiced their reservations about getting vaccinated, health officials say vaccines are considered safe and effective. According to a December survey, nearly 40 percent of Americans say they will for sure or will more than likely get the vaccine. 

The Trump administration gave $72,000 to the TenPenny organization, operated by Sherri Tenpenny, an osteopathic physician and social media figure who promotes alternative medicine and downplays the need for vaccinations.