President Donald Trump nominated Heidi Overton, a physician and top White House domestic policy aide, to lead the Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday. Less than a day later, her confirmation fight is already taking shape.
In announcing her nomination on Truth Social, Trump said Overton has “been a ROCKSTAR in my administration,” adding, “She is known to take on the HARDEST issues and bring me solutions that work best for the Country….We need her leadership at the FDA now to ensure that the U.S. remains the WORLD LEADER for Scientific Discovery and CURES.”
Who is Heidi Overton?
As a White House aide, Overton regularly briefs the president on health issues.
She has become a familiar face alongside Trump as he’s made major changes to U.S. health policy, including last week when he signed an executive order aimed at reducing the number of routinely recommended childhood vaccinations.
At the time, Overton urged “blue states” to adopt what she called the Trump administration’s “gold standard” recommendations.
Now, Trump wants her to run the FDA — and her role in those vaccine changes is already drawing opposition.
A key Republican raises concerns
Overton will need Senate confirmation before taking over the FSDA, and one important Republican is already raising serious concerns.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who chairs the committee that would consider her nomination, pointed directly to her role in the vaccine order, calling it “nonsensical” and saying her involvement is “almost disqualifying.”
“Her lack of managerial experience does not prepare her well for leading a large organization that is already dealing with staffing and morale issues,” Cassidy added.
Overton could also face questions about abortion.
Before joining the White House, she celebrated the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. Now, the FDA is reviewing the safety of mifepristone, the widely used abortion pill.
If confirmed, Overton would replace Marty Makary, who resigned in May after clashes with the White House over issues including vaping policy and access to abortion pills.
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