Trump appoints Jay Bhattacharya to lead National Institutes of Health

President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bhattacharya, known for his support of herd immunity during the COVID-19 pandemic, has criticized lockdowns and vaccine mandates. Bhattacharya's selection follows Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of Health and Human Services. Both appointments reflect a shift in health policy, emphasizing innovative research and reducing the influence of long-standing officials at the NIH. Dr. Bhattacharya is a health economist and academic with extensive research experience. His leadership is expected to focus on transforming NIH's research priorities and funding strategies.