USA – President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Marty Makary, a prominent pancreatic surgeon at Johns Hopkins University, as the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Dr. Makary, who is also the chief of Islet Transplant Surgery at Johns Hopkins and a member of the National Academy of Medicine, has stirred controversy in the past, particularly for his outspoken views on COVID-19.
Trump praised Dr. Makary for his expertise and leadership, stating, “FDA has lost the trust of Americans, and has lost sight of its primary goal as a regulator.
The Agency needs Dr. Marty Makary, a Highly Respected Johns Hopkins Surgical Oncologist and Health Policy Expert, to course-correct and refocus the Agency.”
He added that Makary would work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Trump has chosen for Secretary of Health and Human Services, to evaluate harmful chemicals and drugs affecting public health.
The nomination requires Senate confirmation, and if approved, Makary will oversee the regulation of drugs, food, medical devices, and other products under the FDA’s jurisdiction.
Despite his qualifications, Makary’s nomination has raised concerns due to his controversial remarks on COVID-19.
He has criticized the federal government’s role in spreading misinformation about the pandemic and has promoted natural immunity as an alternative to vaccination—claims that have been widely discredited by the scientific community.
His defense of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of vaccines, has further fueled skepticism about his suitability for the role.
Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, criticized the nomination, stating, “He’s willing to lie to the American public. Why do we think this someone who should head the FDA?”
Critics argue that Makary’s previous comments and association with vaccine skepticism could undermine the FDA’s ability to effectively manage public health and safety.
The current FDA commissioner is Dr. Robert Califf, a cardiologist who also held the role during President Barack Obama’s second term.
Trump had two FDA commissioners during his first term: physician Dr. Scott Gottlieb and oncologist Dr. Stephen Hahn.
In addition to the FDA nomination, Trump has also announced his picks for other key health positions.
Dr. Dave Weldon, a former U.S. Congressman, has been nominated for CDC Director, and Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a Fox News medical contributor, is tapped to be the Surgeon General.
These appointments are expected to undergo Senate confirmation processes, and their impact on U.S. public health policies remains to be seen.
