Trump set to nominate Heidi Overton to be FDA commissioner

Lizzy led STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health.

Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100.

WASHINGTON — President Trump is expected to nominate Heidi Overton, deputy director of domestic policy for the White House, to serve as the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, according to a person familiar with the matter. 

Overton, who has been a powerful health policy voice in Trump’s second term and, at times, frustrated leaders of the Make America Healthy Again movement, will have to face scrutiny from a Senate panel before getting the job, should Trump choose her.

Overton joined the White House at the start of Trump’s term and has led health policy ever since, working closely with the Health and Human Services Department. She has helped oversee signature health policy efforts, including the administration’s push to redesign the food pyramid, overhaul the childhood vaccine schedule, and work out pricing deals with pharmaceutical companies. 

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