Mon Dec 02 23:51:00 UTC 2024: ## Trump Announces Controversial Picks for Top Health Posts
**Washington, D.C.** – President-elect Donald Trump announced his choices for three key health positions Friday evening, sparking immediate controversy. The selections, revealed on Truth Social and in press releases, represent a significant shift in the priorities of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Surgeon General’s office.
Dr. Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins surgeon, is tapped to lead the FDA. Makary, known for his criticisms of federal health agencies and his association with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” platform, has voiced support for policies aimed at addressing what he calls a “poisoned food supply.” His appointment has raised concerns among public health experts.
Former Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL), a physician, will be nominated as CDC director. This nomination requires Senate confirmation, a new requirement enacted in 2022. Weldon’s history includes the controversial Weldon Amendment, which restricts the use of public funds for abortion services. Critics argue this appointment signals a potential undermining of public health initiatives.
Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a Fox News medical contributor and author, is selected as the next Surgeon General. While she has advocated for vaccination on the network, her background in media commentary, coupled with Trump’s other picks, has fueled concerns about the administration’s approach to public health.
The announcements mark a departure from traditional public health approaches. Critics express worry about the nominees’ apparent skepticism towards established scientific consensus on issues like vaccines and the politicization of public health agencies. The upcoming Senate confirmation process for Weldon promises to be a key battleground in the debate surrounding these controversial appointments.
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