Donald Trump has named Jay Bhattacharya, a prominent critic of Covid lockdowns, as the next director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This nomination completes Trump’s public health team ahead of his upcoming inauguration on January 20. Bhattacharya, a trained physician and economist from Stanford University, was notably involved in the Great Barrington Declaration, an open letter from October 2020 that advocated against strict lockdown measures, instead promoting the protection of vulnerable groups.
In a statement, Trump expressed confidence that Bhattacharya and fellow nominee Robert Kennedy Jr., who will lead the US health department, would work together to elevate the NIH’s standards in medical research. Bhattacharya shared his enthusiasm on social media, stating his commitment to reforming American scientific institutions for greater public trust and improving national health outcomes.
In addition to Bhattacharya, Trump has appointed Jim O’Neill, a former federal health official, as the deputy secretary of health, and other nominees who have raised concerns about the responses of public health agencies during the pandemic. This includes Marty Makary of Johns Hopkins, who is set to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Dave Weldon, who is slated to run the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
These nominations are part of a broader agenda aimed at reshaping public health policy and restoring confidence in scientific institutions, responding to the diverse opinions within the political landscape regarding pandemic management. While Trump’s choices have garnered support from some allies, they have faced scrutiny from others, particularly regarding figures such as Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, whose contrasting views on health measures raised concerns among his supporters.
As the new administration approaches, there is a sense of anticipation about how these changes might redefine America’s public health strategy, potentially fostering a more open discourse on health policy, scientific integrity, and the balance between economic and health interests in future pandemics.