Donald Trump Nominates Heidi Overton for FDA Commissioner

Donald Trump nominated Dr. Heidi Overton to serve as the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Overton is scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for questioning on September 24.

The nomination has drawn criticism from medical professionals who cite Dr. Overton's opposition to school vaccine requirements and her support for separating the MMR vaccine into three individual shots. Critics also point to her advocacy for restrictions on mifepristone, a medication the FDA is currently re-reviewing. Dr. Overton has previously described abortion as "corrosive to children, women, and society."

Retired OB-GYN Dr. Jay Naliboff urged Senator Susan Collins to oppose the appointment. These objections emerge as the agency manages ongoing public health challenges, including foodborne illnesses and measles outbreaks.