The U.S. Department of Health is planning to conduct a poll on vaccines through a firm connected to a Trump ally, which has sparked debates over possible conflicts of interest and the impact on public health policy. The no-bid contract, which was recently published, comes amid Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign to shift the nation’s health infrastructure away from certain vaccines. The firm, HarrisX, operates under Stag, a marketing company headed by Mark Penn, a prominent Trump supporter and political strategist. This initiative has drawn criticism from public health experts and advocates, who argue that the involvement of a firm with close ties to a former presidential candidate could undermine the objectivity of the polling process. They also worry that the poll might influence public opinion and policy decisions without sufficient transparency or oversight. Meanwhile, supporters of the plan argue that private firms can provide valuable insights and expertise that the government may lack. They contend that the poll could help better understand public sentiment and improve the effectiveness of health communication strategies. As the controversy continues, the Department of Health faces pressure to ensure that its decision-making processes remain transparent and free from undue political influence.