Makary, who will need to be confirmed by the Senate, has defended controversial Trump cabinet pick Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Get more news
In 2023, he also wrote an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal criticizing the Biden administration’s decision to recommend the Covid boosters for younger patients who are at lower risk. The idea that young, healthy people don’t need additional Covid vaccines is now more widely accepted among the medical community.
If nominated and confirmed, Makary would potentially work under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Trump has picked for Secretary of Health and Human Services. The FDA is one of 13 agencies that falls under HHS’s purview.
The pick of Kennedy was heavily criticized by the medical and scientific community, given his controversial views when it comes to public health, including anti-vaccine activism.
Appearing Sunday on Fox News, Makary defended Kennedy, saying he’s the least “scary” thing happening in the U.S. health care system and people shouldn’t “dissect” things Kennedy’s said “30 years ago.”
“He wants to address corruption in health care and corruption in our government health agencies,” Makary said. “A lot of people don’t like that message and a lot of people are threatened by it.”
Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said Makary isn’t fit for the role of FDA commissioner, given his past comments on Covid and defense of Kennedy.
“He’s willing to lie to the American public,” Offit said. “Why do we think this someone who should head the FDA?”
The current FDA commissioner is Dr. Robert Califf, a cardiologist who also held the role during President Barack Obama’s second term.
Источник: www.nbcnews.com
