Governor Patrick Morrisey is doubling down in West Virginia’s compulsory vaccination debate. But his strategy isn’t built on his own political capital – it’s tied to Secretary Kennedy and, by implication, President Trump. Whether Trump actually knows that is another matter.
On Monday, Kennedy posted on X in support of religious exemptions in West Virginia. Morrisey quickly re-shared it, then raised the stakes:
“On interpreting the religious freedom law to provide for religious exemptions for mandatory vaccines, do WV Legislators stand with the WV School Board (a group of unelected bureaucrats) or do they stand with the Trump Administration and @SecKennedy? Very straightforward question which must be resolved soon for our kids!”
That framing – untested and unproven – puts conservatives who support compulsory vaccination at odds with Trump. But has the White House actually taken a position?
Later, replying on Facebook, Morrisey claimed:
“Almost universally, Cabinet secretaries coordinate their statements with the White House before they issue them. We are grateful for Sec. Kennedy’s statement and the Trump Administration backing of our position… You can’t simply ignore the religious freedom law. It must be given some meaning.”
The governor added the issue would soon be resolved “either in the courts, or through the legislative process.”
Where the Logic Breaks Down
1. Trump’s stance isn’t clear. He was firm on opposing COVID mandates, but on broader vaccine requirements his tone has shifted – especially amid measles outbreaks. Until the White House itself speaks, “almost universally” doesn’t equal a presidential endorsement. Trump rarely hesitates to weigh in. Better to hear it directly from him, than assume. This president is not shy of offering opinion.
2. Kennedy isn’t Trump. Kennedy has little political currency in West Virginia. Trump does. Morrisey’s gamble is that linking Trump’s brand – even without explicit Trump approval and with Kennedy as a political surrogate – could pressure lawmakers wary of the courts. That strategy may drive legislative action to avoid eventual judicial review. But it assumes Trump stays silent and West Virginians accept a simple dichotomy: with Trump or against him.
The risk? Trump’s ties with Senator Capito and former Governor Justice run deeper than with Morrisey. Capito has already backed letting the courts decide without federal interference noting the legislature’s unwillingness to pass a bill. Justice vetoed legislation that would have loosened West Virginia’s vaccination law during his time as Governor. Why would Trump undercut Capito and Justice? The most correct answer: he wouldn’t.
3. “Giving the law meaning” is selective. Morrisey argues EPRA requires religious exemptions, but the law also permits the state to (a) pursue a compelling interest and (b) use the least restrictive means possible. West Virginia meets both: vaccines prevent the return of eradicated diseases, and the Hope Scholarship provides alternative educational options for families objecting to vaccination. Check a and Check b. The larger question, is it the role of the executive to “give law meaning,” or is that meaning purposed and promulgated within the passage of a law by the legislature. Yes, the courts need to weigh in on that as part of this case.
4. Political capital has better uses. Imagine if Morrisey asked Trump to leverage his influence on economic development. Good or bad, Trump has proven he can pressure corporate boards and CEOs. Jobs and investment would deliver far more than a symbolic vaccine fight. Why not use the presidential patronage if available in such a pursuit? Perhaps it goes back to the nature of this implicit endorsement.
The Bottom Line
Morrisey isn’t the first politician to borrow Trump’s brand for a state-level fight. He can’t sell it on his own and needs the assist. That’s fine. A W is a W if you can get it. But as any investor knows, past performance doesn’t guarantee future returns. To convince lawmakers – and voters – that rejecting compulsory vaccination equals rejecting Trump is a leap Morrisey still has to sell.
Will anyone buy?
Editor’s Note: Governor Morrisey has a standing invitation on Talkline to discuss this or any other issue. I appreciate his willingness to engage in open debate on social media and invite continued discussion there, but also on the show in order to reach a broader audience with a deeper conversation.