Why doctors are jumping into politics right now

<p>Public health policy has become one of the most contentious fronts of the Trump administration. From cuts to Medicaid to RFK Jr.'s promotion of dubious theories on the causes of autism, <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/13/congress-midterms-rfk-jr-maha-doctors-campaign/88866836007/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">some physicians say they feel compelled to run for office</a>. President Donald <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/03/14/rfk-jr-maha-voters-midterm-elections-2026/88947985007/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Trump is also possibly losing support among MAHA Moms</a> who object to his promotion of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate for use in agriculture. The conversation comes amid a federal court ruling striking down parts of Kennedy’s vaccine policies. USA TODAY National Reporter Sarah D. Wire explains what it could mean for the midterms.</p><p>Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:podcasts@usatoday.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">podcasts@usatoday.com</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Episode transcript&nbsp;<a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/03/17/rfk-jr-s-health-policies-are-encouraging-doctors-to-enter-politics-the-excerpt/89186960007/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">available here</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>