Trump Nominates Jay Bhattacharya as NIH Director, Marking Shift in Health Policy

Bhattacharya, a critic of COVID-19 lockdowns and mandates, is set to lead the NIH under the incoming administration, pending Senate confirmation.

Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor and co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Bhattacharya has been a vocal critic of COVID-19 lockdowns, school closures, and mask mandates, advocating for 'focused protection' of vulnerable populations instead.
The nomination has drawn polarized reactions, with supporters lauding his evidence-based approach and critics warning of potential risks to public health policy.
Bhattacharya's appointment aligns with Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s broader health agenda, which includes reforms to NIH research priorities and a focus on chronic disease prevention.
If confirmed, Bhattacharya would oversee the NIH's $48 billion budget and play a key role in reshaping the nation's medical research landscape.