Jay Bhattacharya Reportedly Emerges as Leading Candidate for NIH Director Under Trump Administration

The Stanford physician and economist has proposed reforms to prioritize innovative research and reduce long-standing internal influence at the $50 billion agency.

Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor of health policy and economics, is reportedly the top candidate to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under President-elect Donald Trump, according to sources familiar with the selection process.
Bhattacharya recently met with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, and impressed him with proposals to reform NIH operations.
His proposed reforms include shifting funding priorities toward innovative research and reducing the influence of senior career officials within the agency.
Bhattacharya is known for his criticism of the federal government's COVID-19 response and co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration, which advocated for targeted protections over widespread lockdowns.
The final decision on the NIH leadership position will ultimately be made by President-elect Trump, who has not yet confirmed Bhattacharya's appointment.