Donald Trump’s new FDA pick already has senators ready to fight back. President Trump nominated a White House aide with a controversial vaccine record to lead the troubled agency after months of leadership turmoil.
Heidi Overton’s FDA nomination follows Marty Makary’s exit and agency leadership shakeup
Axios reported Tuesday that President Trump intends to nominate Heidi Overton, a White House aide, as FDA commissioner. Overton holds the role of deputy director at the White House Domestic Policy Council. This pick comes after months of turbulent leadership changes at the federal drug regulatory agency.
Marty Makary stepped down as FDA commissioner earlier this year. His departure left multiple senior positions at the agency without confirmed leaders. Kyle Diamantas took over as acting commissioner and focused on mending the FDA’s strained relationship with the pharmaceutical sector.
Last week, Overton attended the signing of an executive order reshaping the childhood vaccine schedule. That directive seeks to cut the total number of federally recommended vaccinations for children. Additionally, it proposes breaking the combined MMR vaccine into three standalone shots.
“We do still recommend the measles vaccine for all children, but we want parents to be informed about the timing and to have the option to separate them out,” Overton stated during the signing ceremony.
Chris Meekins, a Raymond James analyst and former Trump health official, pushed back on the selection. “Overton has degrees but seemingly no real experience running anything,” Meekins told Axios. He cautioned that the pharmaceutical industry will regard this pick as deeply concerning for the agency.
On the other hand, Paragon Health Institute president Brian Blase endorsed the nomination. “Heidi has the highest character and is dedicated to improving American well-being and helping American patients get the best possible care,” Blase posted on X.
Senate confirmation may prove difficult for Overton given pushback from certain legislators. Outgoing Senate health committee chair Bill Cassidy labeled last week’s vaccine executive order “wrong.” Her visible participation in that event could heighten opposition during confirmation proceedings. A senior administration official noted that additional leadership appointments for vacant FDA roles should follow soon after this nomination advances.
