Dr. Oz Faces Scrutiny Over Conflicts of Interest in Medicare and Medicaid Role

Trump's pick to head CMS raises ethical concerns due to ties to pharmaceutical companies and promotion of unscientific treatments.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, nominated by Donald Trump to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), has faced criticism for potential conflicts of interest tied to his business dealings and promotion of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic.
Oz has longstanding financial ties to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, which he has promoted on his show and personal platforms, raising questions about impartiality in overseeing Medicare and Medicaid coverage decisions.
The Biden administration recently proposed Medicare and Medicaid coverage for weight-loss drugs, a decision that could cost $35 billion over eight years and significantly benefit pharmaceutical companies lobbying for the change.
Critics highlight Oz's history of endorsing dubious medical treatments and products, some of which he had financial stakes in, casting doubt on his credibility and suitability for the CMS role.
Oz’s nomination also faces opposition from within the Trump administration, as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary, has publicly criticized weight-loss drugs and pharmaceutical industry practices.