Trump Picks Johns Hopkins Surgeon Marty Makary for FDA, Amid Health Agency Overhaul

Nov 23, 2024, 02:22 AM

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Marty Makary, a surgeon from Johns Hopkins University, to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This choice comes as part of a series of health-related appointments, including Dr. Dave Weldon, a former Florida congressman, to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as the Surgeon General. Makary, known for his critiques of certain COVID-19 policies, has been selected to report to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been tapped to oversee the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The appointments reflect Trump's strategy to restore trust in public health agencies like the FDA and CDC, and address the nation's health challenges, including the chronic disease epidemic. Makary's nomination has drawn attention due to his frequent appearances on Fox News and his views on vaccine mandates and mask policies, which are not aligned with the scientific mainstream.