Senator Hawley Questions Dr. Oz’s Fitness to Lead CMS Over Abortion and Transgender Policies

Dr. Mehmet Oz faces scrutiny from Senator Josh Hawley over his past views and lack of bureaucratic experience as the Senate Finance Committee weighs his nomination.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, President Trump's nominee to lead the Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), is under fire for his past statements on abortion and transgender healthcare for minors.
Senator Josh Hawley has raised concerns about Oz's alignment with President Trump's policies, particularly on banning gender transition procedures for minors and restricting abortion funding.
Hawley highlighted episodes from Oz's television career, where he hosted transgender advocates and discussed minors' gender transitions, questioning whether his views have shifted.
Oz testified that CMS would abide by the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding for abortions, but his broader policy positions remain under scrutiny.
The Senate Finance Committee has yet to vote on Oz's confirmation, leaving his nomination unresolved as debate continues over his qualifications and alignment with the Trump administration's agenda.