In a significant move late Friday, President-elect Donald Trump announced his selections for vital positions within his upcoming administration’s public health sector.
Trump has selected Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a family practice doctor with ties to Fox News, to serve as the US Surgeon General. Dr. Nesheiwat, known as the ‘nation’s doctor,’ will focus on educating and advising the public on health improvement strategies. Her appointment follows her public remarks highlighting efforts during the previous administration, including the rapid development of vaccines under Operation Warp Speed. Nominees for this role must receive Senate confirmation.
The role of FDA Commissioner will be filled by Dr. Marty Makary, a surgeon and researcher at Johns Hopkins University, who has openly criticized the agency’s slow response during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Makary brings a background that includes involvement with the World Health Organization’s patient safety program and a position contributing to Fox News. His past statements have emphasized the need for new scientific leadership within the FDA.
Dr. Dave Weldon, a former Florida congressman and army-trained physician, has been named to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Weldon previously advocated for vaccine safety and introduced legislation related to vaccine evaluation. His stance during the legal debate over Terri Schiavo demonstrated his involvement in health care policy.
Trump’s nominations are under scrutiny due to his proposed appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine advocate, as secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services. This choice has sparked concerns among health experts about the future direction of health policy. Kennedy’s influence in nominating these appointees raises questions about potential shifts in policy focus, particularly relating to agency corruption allegations.
President-elect Trump’s decisions reflect a broader strategy to overhaul public health leadership. His campaign promises included granting Kennedy latitude to reform health agencies. Trump’s objective appears to involve reshaping these agencies’ operations while emphasizing accountability and transparency.
These appointments illustrate Trump’s ambition to redefine public health management in the United States, with a keen focus on reform and efficiency.
Source: CNN
