President-elect Donald Trump recently announced his nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Dr. Mehmet Oz as leader of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). .
“For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to public health,” Trump wrote. “The safety and health of all Americans is the most important role of any Administration, and HHS will play a big role in helping ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, and food additives.”
Kennedy, a longtime critic of pharmaceutical and food industries, has stirred controversy with his stance on vaccines and medical freedom. As the founder of Children’s Health Defense, he has advocated for greater scrutiny of vaccines and other public health mandates, drawing both support and criticism across the political spectrum.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon and television personality, has been tapped to head CMS, the federal agency overseeing Medicare and Medicaid. Trump’s vision for CMS under Dr. Oz includes modernizing the programs to ensure financial sustainability, combating fraud and inefficiencies, and empowering patients to make more informed health decisions.
Marty Makary, MD, has been nominated for FDA Commissioner. Makary’s focus will be restoring scientific rigor and expediting drug approvals.
Janette Nesheiwat, MD, has been nominated for the position of surgeon general. Nesheiwat will lead public health efforts.
All nominations are set to face Senate review in the coming weeks.