Trump urged to use executive power after Vance relative reportedly denied organ transplant over COVID vaccine

House Republicans are calling on President Donald Trump to take executive action to prevent hospitals from denying organ transplants to individuals who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine. Rep. Michael Rulli of Ohio is leading the charge, prompted in part by reports that Vice President JD Vance’s 12-year-old relative was denied a heart transplant due to her vaccination status.

In a letter signed by Rulli, Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana, and five other House Republicans, they highlighted cases where Americans were denied life-saving organ transplants because of their vaccination status. The letter emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that lives are at risk if action is not taken promptly.

Rulli commended President Trump for his recent executive orders and urged him to issue an executive order to address this issue. The letter referenced Trump’s previous executive orders on ending vaccine mandates in schools and reinstating military service members who were discharged for not receiving the vaccine.

The lawmakers are also pushing for a bill to prevent federal funds from going to any entity that denies treatment based on COVID-19 vaccination status. They argue that such mandates do more harm than good and hinder the ability of medical professionals to save lives without bureaucratic barriers.

The girl’s mother, Jeneen Deal, expressed concerns about her daughter’s inability to receive a transplant due to her family’s religious beliefs. She urged lawmakers to also consider the influenza vaccine in their request to Trump, as both vaccines were impacting her daughter’s eligibility for a transplant.

Vance pledged to assist in any way possible, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. However, neither Trump nor Vance’s spokespeople responded to requests for comment on the lawmakers’ letter.

It is clear that House Republicans are committed to addressing the issue of vaccine mandates in healthcare settings and ensuring that individuals are not denied life-saving treatment based on their vaccination status. The urgency of the situation underscores the need for swift action to protect the health and well-being of all Americans.