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President Trump's FDA and NIH nominees approved by U.S. Senate

March 26, 2025

On March 26, the U.S. Senate confirmed President Trump's nominees, Martin Makary and Jay Bhattacharya, as the new heads of the FDA and NIH, respectively. Makary was confirmed by a 56-44 vote and will lead the FDA amidst controversy over the mass firing of federal employees. Bhattacharya, confirmed by a 53-47 vote, will oversee the NIH's nearly $50 billion budget and numerous scientific projects, while also facing legal battles over proposed cuts to federal research funding. Both will report to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Both Makary and Bhattacharya have faced criticism for their views on public health. Makary has questioned the need for masking and vaccinations in young children, while Bhattacharya co-authored the Great Barrington Declaration, which argued against lockdowns and promoted herd immunity. During their confirmation hearings, they assured senators of their commitment to scientific processes but didn't commit to specific actions on issues like the abortion pill mifepristone. FDA and NIH, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, are bracing for further layoffs due to budget cuts led by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.

Sources:

Sunny, M. (2025, March 26). Reuters. US Senate confirms Trump's picks to lead FDA, NIH. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/us-senate-confirms-trumps-picks-lead-fda-nih-2025-03-26/

(2025, March 25). CBS News. Senate confirms Marty Makary to lead FDA, Jay Bhattacharya to head NIH. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/senate-confirms-marty-makary-to-lead-fda-jay-bhattacharya-to-head-nih/