Trump Chooses Anti-Lockdown Researcher to Head National Institutes of Health

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his nomination of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a professor of health policy at Stanford University, to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This role is crucial, as the NIH is responsible for addressing significant health challenges in the United States.

Dr. Bhattacharya’s nomination is subject to Senate confirmation, which may be facilitated by the Republican majority in the chamber next year. If confirmed, he will have considerable influence over the allocation of billions in federal research funding.

In his announcement, Trump remarked, “Dr. Bhattacharya will work in cooperation with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to direct the Nation’s Medical Research.” Kennedy has been tapped to head the Department of Health and Human Services.

Expressing gratitude for the nomination, Bhattacharya stated on social media that he is “honored and humbled” and aims to restore public trust in American scientific institutions. His commitment includes leveraging science to improve health outcomes for Americans.

Alongside Bhattacharya, Trump has nominated several other figures for key health roles, notably Mehmet Oz for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Dr. Janette Nesheiwat as surgeon general. These appointments signal a notable shift in health policy leadership.

Bhattacharya is recognized primarily for his research in health economics and outcomes, focusing on vulnerable populations and the implications of government programs and biomedical innovation. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Stanford in 1990 and completed his medical degree and Ph.D. there as well.

His research extends to evaluating responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. In a February 2023 testimony to Congress, Bhattacharya asserted that the nation’s pandemic response was largely ineffective, highlighting the need for reevaluation of public health strategies.

Notably, Bhattacharya was a co-author of The Great Barrington Declaration, a controversial document advocating for a different approach to managing the pandemic. The proclamation suggested that younger, healthier individuals should not be subjected to strict lockdown measures, focusing instead on protecting the vulnerable. This stance faced considerable criticism from public health experts.

The NIH encompasses 27 centers and institutes dedicated to various health challenges, including the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute on Aging. The agency secured $48 billion in discretionary funding last fiscal year, a testament to bipartisan support for its research initiatives.

Current NIH Director Monica M. Bertagnolli recently addressed Congress, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to science over politics. She stated that the NIH’s focus remains on research integrity and developing cures, especially for rare diseases.

Last updated 8:53 a.m., Nov. 27, 2024