US President-elect Donald Trump has announced Stanford physician and economist Jay Bhattacharya as his choice to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Known for his criticism of Covid lockdowns and co-authorship of the Great Barrington Declaration, Bhattacharya’s nomination signals a bold shift in the nation’s public health leadership.
A Reshaped Public Health Team With Jay Bhattacharya
Trump’s appointments for key health agencies include figures who have challenged the traditional pandemic response. Jay Bhattacharya, who rose to prominence for opposing widespread lockdowns during Covid, is set to collaborate with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Together, they aim to restore the NIH to what Trump calls the “Gold Standard of Medical Research.”
Bhattacharya’s Great Barrington Declaration, published in 2020, proposed targeted protection for vulnerable groups instead of broad lockdowns. This stance drew fierce criticism from public health leaders, including then-NIH director Francis Collins, who labeled the authors as “fringe experts.” Bhattacharya remains critical of Anthony Fauci’s handling of the pandemic, advocating for reforms to rebuild public trust in science.
Trump’s Vision for Public Health
In addition to Jay Bhattacharya, Trump has named Marty Makary to lead the FDA and Dave Weldon to head the CDC. Both have questioned vaccine mandates and pandemic policies, aligning with Trump’s push for a revamped health strategy. However, not all nominations have been without controversy. Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, selected as Surgeon General, has faced conservative backlash for her earlier views on masking and abortion rights.
Trump’s public health appointments mark a dramatic departure from conventional leadership, aiming to prioritize reform and accountability. While his picks face Senate confirmation, they represent a clear statement of intent: to challenge the status quo and reshape American health policy. As the January 20 inauguration approaches, the nation waits to see how these appointments will influence the future of public health.
