The Politics of COVID, the Economics of the Pandemic, and the FTC’s Failure to Protect the American Public

By Dr. Eric Nepute

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to its knees, not only as a public health crisis but also as a political and economic battleground. The rapid development and marketing of COVID vaccines were hailed as a scientific triumph, but recent revelations suggest a much darker reality: corporate deception, regulatory failure, and the silencing of dissenting voices. At the heart of this controversy is Pfizer, a pharmaceutical giant now facing lawsuits for misleading the public about the safety and efficacy of its COVID vaccines.

The truth is coming to light, and it’s shocking. Kansas has become the first state to sue Pfizer for deceptive practices, paving the way for more states to hold the company accountable. The lawsuit shines a spotlight on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which failed to intervene as false advertising and misinformation dominated the pandemic narrative. It also raises serious questions about public health recommendations, particularly for pregnant women, and the broader economic and political implications of these failures.

Deceptive Marketing Practices and the Pregnancy Controversy

One of the most damning allegations against Pfizer involves its marketing of the COVID vaccine as safe for pregnant women. Despite lacking safety data for this vulnerable group, Pfizer pushed the vaccine to pregnant individuals, leveraging public health authorities and media campaigns to build trust.

Shockingly, in 2016—years before the pandemic—Pfizer had access to internal data showing significant risks associated with its mRNA technology in pregnancy. Over half of the pregnant women in their study experienced adverse events, and more than 10% suffered miscarriages. Despite this knowledge, the company claimed the vaccine was safe for expectant mothers, a claim parroted by health agencies like the CDC and the FDA.

Adding insult to injury, the European Union has now banned COVID vaccines for pregnant women, citing insufficient safety data. This decision directly contradicts the continued promotion of these vaccines in the United States, raising questions about why American public health agencies are ignoring red flags.

Myocarditis and Heart Conditions: A Known Risk

Pfizer also faces allegations of concealing data related to myocarditis and other heart conditions caused by the vaccine. Despite public reassurances, Pfizer’s CEO stated that there were no signals indicating heart-related risks. This claim has been proven false. Internal documents reveal that Pfizer knew about myocarditis cases linked to the vaccine but failed to disclose this information to the public.

This deliberate obfuscation has had devastating consequences. Myocarditis, particularly in young men, has been linked to COVID vaccines, yet public health campaigns continued to push for mass vaccination without addressing these risks. The lack of transparency eroded trust and put countless lives at risk.

Efficacy Against Variants and Transmission: A False Promise

Another cornerstone of Pfizer’s marketing strategy was the claim that the vaccine was highly effective against COVID variants and would stop transmission. These claims were critical in convincing millions of Americans to get vaccinated.

However, Pfizer later admitted that they never studied whether the vaccine prevented transmission. This revelation came after countless advertisements and public statements urged people to get vaccinated to “protect others.” The implication that the unvaccinated were putting lives at risk created deep divisions in society, fostering resentment and fear.

As for efficacy against variants, Pfizer’s own data showed that the vaccine was effective less than half the time against emerging strains. Yet this information was not disclosed to the public, allowing the company to maintain the illusion of a highly effective product.

Economic and Political Implications

The COVID vaccine rollout wasn’t just a public health effort; it was a multibillion-dollar enterprise. Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer reaped unprecedented profits, while governments and regulatory agencies acted as enablers rather than watchdogs.

The FTC, whose mandate includes preventing deceptive advertising, failed to act against the false claims made by Pfizer and other vaccine manufacturers. This failure allowed misinformation to proliferate, leaving consumers misled about the risks and benefits of vaccination.

At the same time, social media companies worked to censor dissenting voices, often at the behest of pharmaceutical companies and government agencies. Independent scientists and doctors who raised concerns about vaccine safety were deplatformed, effectively silencing meaningful debate. This censorship further entrenched corporate narratives, leaving the public with a one-sided view of the pandemic response.

Kansas Leads the Charge

Kansas is now the first state to file a lawsuit against Pfizer, accusing the company of misleading its residents about the vaccine’s safety and efficacy. The lawsuit highlights the following key points:

Kansas’ lawsuit is expected to be the first of many. At least five other states are reportedly preparing similar legal actions, signaling a shift in accountability for corporate misconduct during the pandemic.

The FTC’s Failure

The Federal Trade Commission bears significant responsibility for the current state of affairs. Tasked with protecting consumers from deceptive practices, the FTC failed to hold Pfizer accountable for its misleading advertisements.

By allowing false claims to go unchecked, the FTC enabled a culture of misinformation that undermined public trust in vaccines and public health institutions. This failure was not just regulatory; it was moral. The American public deserved better oversight and transparency, especially during a crisis of this magnitude.

The Call for Justice

The truth is coming, but justice will require more than lawsuits. It will require a reckoning with the political, economic, and social forces that allowed these deceptions to occur. The Kansas lawsuit is a step in the right direction, but it must be followed by broader accountability measures, including:

  1. Regulatory Reform: The FTC and other agencies must strengthen oversight of pharmaceutical marketing.
  2. Transparency Mandates: Vaccine manufacturers must disclose all safety and efficacy data, including risks to specific populations.
  3. Independent Investigations: Congress and independent bodies should investigate the role of public health agencies in promoting false claims.
  4. Public Education: The public must be informed about the true risks and benefits of COVID vaccines, without censorship or bias.

Conclusion: Truth Will Prevail

The COVID pandemic exposed deep flaws in how public health, corporate power, and government oversight intersect. Pfizer’s deceptive practices and the FTC’s inaction represent a betrayal of public trust, but the tide is turning. Kansas has set a powerful precedent by suing Pfizer, and other states are following suit.

This is a pivotal moment. The truth is coming, and it will not be silenced. The American people deserve accountability, transparency, and justice. It’s time to demand answers and ensure that such failures are never repeated. Let this be a turning point, not just for the pandemic but for how we protect public health and integrity in the face of corporate and political interests.