In a series of significant health-related appointments, former President Donald Trump has announced his choices for leading some of the country’s most influential public health institutions. On Friday evening, Trump revealed his selections for three key roles: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Surgeon General. These appointments were announced through his social media platform, Truth Social, as well as through press releases. Each choice has the potential to shape the direction of U.S. health policy, but they also come with their fair share of debate.
Trump has chosen Dr. Marty Makary, a renowned surgeon from Johns Hopkins, to lead the FDA. Dr. Makary has previously collaborated with the Trump administration, focusing on healthcare issues such as surprise medical billing. Recently, he has voiced support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for the Department of Health and Human Services, aligning with Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. Makary’s background includes high-profile research on healthcare costs, medical errors, and transparency, topics he’s passionate about reforming.
He has also been a vocal critic of how federal agencies have handled chronic diseases, advocating for a more proactive approach. In a recent appearance alongside Kennedy at a Congressional roundtable, Makary expressed his dissatisfaction with the way public health has been managed, particularly criticizing the traditional food pyramid. According to him, America’s reliance on processed foods and medications has contributed to a “sick and overmedicated” population. He has emphasized the importance of examining the health impacts of chemicals in food, drugs, and other substances to address the country’s increasing rates of chronic illnesses. Trump has stated that Makary will work closely with Kennedy to investigate harmful substances affecting Americans, especially children.
Dr. Makary has not shied away from expressing his opinions on the federal response to COVID-19. While he initially supported lockdowns and universal masking during the early stages of the pandemic, his stance shifted over time. He became critical of vaccine mandates, arguing that the public health response did not adequately consider natural immunity. Makary has often labeled the CDC’s decisions under President Biden’s administration as overly political, expressing concerns that public health priorities have strayed from focusing on long-term well-being.
For the CDC, Trump has nominated former Florida Congressman Dave Weldon, a physician and veteran. Weldon served in the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2009 and is well-known for his medical background and conservative views. His nomination marks a departure from past CDC directors, as he will need Senate confirmation due to a recent law change in 2022. In his announcement, Trump highlighted a loss of public trust in the CDC and federal health authorities, attributing this decline to censorship, data manipulation, and misinformation. He emphasized that Weldon’s appointment aims to restore confidence, transparency, and integrity within the agency.
Weldon’s background includes work with the CDC during his time in Congress, where he focused on issues such as banning patents for human embryos and advocating for religious freedom in healthcare. The “Weldon Amendment,” named after him, protects healthcare workers and institutions from being forced to participate in abortion services against their beliefs. Critics argue that this amendment has sometimes allowed insurers and healthcare providers to deny services under the guise of “conscience” protections, but it remains a significant aspect of Weldon’s legacy. Trump has expressed confidence that Weldon will bring a renewed focus to disease prevention and play a critical role in combatting the nation’s chronic health issues.
Trump’s choice for Surgeon General is Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a medical contributor known for her appearances on Fox News and her work as an urgent care director. Her experience in emergency response situations, including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a major factor in her nomination. During the pandemic, Nesheiwat advocated for vaccines and emphasized the importance of public health measures. Trump praised her dedication during the height of the COVID-19 crisis in New York City, as well as her involvement in relief efforts during events like Hurricane Katrina.
In addition to her television presence, Dr. Nesheiwat is the author of a book that highlights her personal journey in medicine, blending her medical expertise with a focus on her Christian faith. She has also served as a medical director for CityMD, a network of urgent care centers in New York and New Jersey, and has been involved in promoting health and wellness through various initiatives, including her own line of vitamin supplements. Trump’s endorsement underscored her commitment to affordable healthcare and her belief in empowering Americans to take charge of their health for longer, healthier lives.
These three appointments are seen by some as a strategic effort to reshape U.S. health policies. Each nominee carries a unique blend of expertise, experience, and controversy, reflecting Trump’s vision for a more transparent, accountable, and prevention-focused healthcare system. While supporters argue that these picks bring much-needed reform and challenge the status quo, critics remain cautious, noting that these changes could lead to significant shifts in how public health is managed and communicated in the United States.
Dr. Makary’s selection for the FDA is notable for his outspoken views on medical transparency, healthcare costs, and the flaws in the current healthcare system. His experience as a surgical oncologist and his research on the high cost of medical care have made him a respected voice in healthcare reform circles. His criticisms of the federal response to chronic disease and his belief that the U.S. government has contributed to misinformation, particularly through the promotion of outdated dietary guidelines, highlight his commitment to addressing the root causes of the nation’s health crises.
Trump’s pick for the CDC, Dave Weldon, brings a medical and political background that aligns with a more conservative approach to public health. His history of advocating for religious freedoms in healthcare and his critique of federal health policies resonate with a segment of the population that feels traditional values and freedoms have been overlooked. This choice may signal a shift in how the CDC will approach disease prevention, with a potential emphasis on individual rights and conservative health policies.
Dr. Nesheiwat’s nomination for Surgeon General has caught the attention of those familiar with her work on Fox News and her direct involvement in public health initiatives. Her experience during the pandemic, both on the ground in urgent care settings and in the media, provides a dual perspective on how public health can be communicated and managed. Her advocacy for preventive care and accessible healthcare aligns with Trump’s broader health agenda, which aims to reduce healthcare costs and encourage healthier lifestyles among Americans.
Each nominee has a distinct background and perspective, and their potential influence on U.S. healthcare could lead to significant changes. Whether it’s Makary’s desire for transparency in the FDA, Weldon’s commitment to conservative values at the CDC, or Nesheiwat’s focus on preventive care as Surgeon General, the choices signal a move toward a healthcare system that prioritizes accountability and reform. These appointments, if confirmed, will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of American healthcare, impacting how diseases are managed, how public health is communicated, and how trust is rebuilt within federal health agencies.
Trump’s decision to announce these appointments through his own social media platform, Truth Social, instead of traditional channels, underscores his intent to bypass mainstream media narratives and appeal directly to his base. The focus on issues like transparency, conservative values, and public health reform reflect the core themes that characterized his previous administration’s approach to health policy.
While supporters view these choices as necessary to challenge and potentially overhaul a system they see as flawed, opponents worry about the implications for long-established health guidelines and practices. Makary’s criticisms of the U.S. government’s health messaging, Weldon’s emphasis on religious and individual freedoms, and Nesheiwat’s media prominence may set the stage for a public health strategy that contrasts sharply with the approach of previous administrations.
As these nominees prepare for potential Senate confirmations, the broader public will be watching closely. Their qualifications, past statements, and future plans will be scrutinized, particularly in light of the controversies that each brings to the table. For now, these appointments represent Trump’s vision for a more accountable, transparent, and preventative health system—one that seeks to challenge conventional wisdom and reshape how America addresses its most pressing health challenges.