Senate to Hold Confirmation Hearing for Surgeon General Nominee Nicole Saphier

A Senate health committee will hold a confirmation hearing on Wednesday for Nicole Saphier, whom President Donald Trump nominated to serve as U.S. Surgeon General. Saphier, a radiologist and former Fox News contributor, is the third nominee for the position since the start of the current administration, following Dr. Casey Means and Dr. Janette Nesheiwat.

Saphier is expected to face questioning from Democrats regarding childhood vaccinations. She has previously stated that vaccines, including the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, are safe and effective, and asserted there is "no causal link" between these vaccines and autism. This position contradicts views promoted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

While Saphier shares some wellness goals with Kennedy, she has criticized his management of the Department of Health and Human Services and his hiring of anti-vaccine activists. To comply with federal ethics requirements, Saphier has committed to selling her company, Empower MD, and divesting holdings in pharmaceutical, food, and tobacco companies. She has also resigned from her roles as a podcast host and Fox News contributor.