President Trump has nominated Dr. Heidi Overton, currently his deputy assistant for domestic policy, to serve as FDA commissioner following Marty Makary's resignation. A trained surgeon and conservative policy figure, Overton has advocated for restricting gender-affirming care for minors, questioned medication abortion access, and supported Trump's executive order to unbundle childhood vaccines—a move public health experts warn lacks scientific basis and could raise costs. Former FDA officials note the role demands both intelligence and resilience given the intense political and industry pressures involved. Overton now faces Senate confirmation, where she has already encountered opposition from at least one Democratic senator.
Original Article Source Link:
https://www.npr.org/2026/08/20/nx-s1-5939549/heidi-overton-fda-commissioner-trump-senate-nomination