Trump Appoints Matthew Memoli as Acting NIH Director, Replacing Lawrence Tabak Amid Senate Confirmation of Bhattacharya

Jan 24, 2025, 05:10 PM

The Trump administration has appointed Dr. Matthew J. Memoli as the acting director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), replacing Lawrence Tabak, who was serving as the acting director. This transition comes as the administration prepares for the Senate confirmation of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to take over the role permanently. Memoli is a senior NIH researcher known for his criticisms of vaccine mandates and the U.S. response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The appointment follows allegations that Tabak, a holdover from the Biden administration, canceled NIH grant reviews to undermine the incoming administration. Memoli's selection has received support from figures such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Robert Malone, who praised his appointment. The change in leadership at the NIH reflects the new administration's efforts to reshape the agency's direction and leadership amid ongoing public health challenges.