The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced termination of nearly $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine research under BARDA, spearheaded by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Citing concerns about mRNA vaccine efficacy against respiratory infections and safety, this move has triggered alarm in scientific and national security communities, warning that it jeopardizes pandemic preparedness and bioterrorism defense. While some cancer mRNA vaccine research remains unaffected, experts fear broader consequences for mRNA-driven innovations.