WASHINGTON: President-elect Donald Trump has nominated a series of health agency leaders known for their unconventional perspectives, aligning with his agenda to overhaul federal health oversight.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford University health economist and physician, is nominated to lead the NIH. Co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, Bhattacharya has criticized pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates, advocating for focused protection over widespread restrictions.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Former Congressman Dr. Dave Weldon is selected to direct the CDC. Weldon has previously questioned vaccine safety, notably concerning thimerosal, a vaccine preservative, and its alleged link to autism—a claim widely discredited by scientific studies.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Dr. Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins University professor and surgeon, is nominated to head the FDA. Makary has expressed skepticism about pharmaceutical industry practices and has questioned the necessity of COVID-19 vaccine boosters for young children.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Dr. Mehmet Oz, known for his long-running television show, is chosen to lead CMS. Oz has previously endorsed expanding Medicare Advantage and has been involved in promoting various health products, some of which have faced criticism for lacking scientific support.
Surgeon General
Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a medical director and media contributor, is nominated for Surgeon General. Nesheiwat has discussed various health topics on television and authored works on the role of spirituality in medicine.
These appointments reflect a shift towards leadership that has previously challenged mainstream public health policies, particularly those related to the COVID-19 pandemic.