Donald Trump’s CDC, FDA, And Surgeon General Picks

President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled three major nominations to lead the nation’s top health agencies, aiming to restore trust and competence in public health and regulatory oversight.

On Friday, Trump announced Dr. Dave Weldon, Dr. Marty Makary, and Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as his choices for director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and U.S. surgeon general, respectively. The appointments are part of Trump’s pledge to “Make America Healthy Again.”

Dr. Dave Weldon: Director of the CDC

Trump nominated Dr. Dave Weldon, a former Republican congressman from Florida and a practicing physician for over four decades, to lead the CDC.

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Weldon also served in the U.S. Army and held a key role on the Labor/HHS Appropriations Subcommittee during his tenure in Congress from 1995 to 2009.

“Dave has been a respected conservative leader on fiscal and social issues,” Trump said, highlighting Weldon’s prior work to address inefficiencies within the CDC and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Trump also noted Weldon’s efforts to ban patents on human embryos, reflecting his commitment to family values and ethical medical practices.

“Americans have lost trust in the CDC and in our federal health authorities, who have engaged in censorship, data manipulation, and misinformation,” Trump stated.

NEW: President Trump announces the nomination of former Congressman and Army Veteran Dr. Dave Weldon as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. pic.twitter.com/JACHDKpnfS

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) November 23, 2024

He emphasized that Weldon’s leadership would prioritize transparency, high standards, and solutions to chronic health crises plaguing the nation.

If confirmed, Weldon will succeed Dr. Mandy Cohen and oversee efforts to prevent disease outbreaks, manage public health data, and rebuild trust in the CDC.

Dr. Marty Makary: FDA Commissioner

Trump also announced the nomination of Dr. Marty Makary, a Johns Hopkins School of Medicine professor and Fox News medical contributor, to lead the FDA. Makary, a surgical oncologist and public health expert, has been a vocal advocate for healthcare transparency and reform.

“The FDA has lost the trust of Americans,” Trump said. “Dr. Makary will refocus the agency on its primary goal as a regulator.”

He tasked Makary with addressing harmful chemicals in the nation’s food supply, evaluating drugs and biologics given to children, and tackling the growing epidemic of chronic childhood diseases.

Makary, who has authored over 300 scientific articles and several bestselling books, has received numerous awards for his work in cancer care and public health.

Trump expressed confidence that Makary’s leadership would cut bureaucratic red tape and ensure Americans have access to effective medical treatments.

NEW: President Trump announces the nomination of @MartyMakary as FDA Commissioner. pic.twitter.com/cFUTU3Tbkw

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) November 23, 2024

Dr. Janette Nesheiwat: Surgeon General

For the role of surgeon general, Trump nominated Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a double board-certified physician and former Fox News medical contributor.

Currently the medical director at CityMD, Nesheiwat has also provided disaster relief care in crises such as Hurricane Katrina and international emergencies.

“Dr. Nesheiwat is a fierce advocate for preventative medicine and public health,” Trump said.

He praised her frontline work during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlighted her service with Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Assistance teams in Morocco, Haiti, and Poland.

Nesheiwat, inspired by her widowed immigrant mother’s resilience, has dedicated her career to improving healthcare access and empowering individuals to take control of their health.

Trump said her leadership would play a pivotal role in achieving his administration’s health goals.

NEW: President Trump announces the appointment of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat @DoctorJanette as U.S. Surgeon General. pic.twitter.com/ha9fGAgq6R

— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) November 23, 2024

These appointments signal Trump’s broader vision for healthcare reform, including enhancing transparency, restoring public trust, and addressing chronic health issues.

Trump has also nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS secretary, reinforcing his commitment to overhauling federal health agencies.

All three nominees will require Senate confirmation, with a Republican majority likely smoothing the process.

Once confirmed, Weldon, Makary, and Nesheiwat will spearhead efforts to improve the nation’s public health infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.

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