Trump’s FDA and NIH Nominees Advance to Full Senate Vote

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and Dr. Marty Makary clear Senate committee hurdles, with confirmation votes expected soon.

The Senate HELP Committee approved Dr. Jay Bhattacharya for NIH director in a 12-11 party-line vote and Dr. Marty Makary for FDA commissioner in a 14-9 vote.
Dr. Bhattacharya, a Stanford epidemiologist, gained prominence for opposing COVID-19 lockdowns and has advocated for decentralized and transparent NIH research practices.
Dr. Makary emphasized addressing chronic diseases and maintaining FDA’s standards for medical innovation, earning bipartisan support from two Senate Democrats.
Both nominees faced scrutiny over vaccine-related issues, with Bhattacharya calling for further research to reassure concerned parents and Makary withdrawing support for a controversial FDA legal appointee.
Senate confirmation votes for both nominees are anticipated in the coming days, as President Trump continues to finalize his public health leadership team.