Trump nominates Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead National Institutes of Health

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor known for opposing COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccine mandates, to lead the National Institutes of Health. This nomination highlights ongoing debates about public health policies stemming from the pandemic. Bhattacharya co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration, which argued against lockdowns and promoted herd immunity. His views have been controversial, facing criticism from many health experts. His appointment requires Senate approval. Trump also announced Jim O'Neill as deputy secretary of Health and Human Services. O'Neill is the only nominee with prior government experience, while other health picks, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are outsiders aiming to reform public health agencies.