President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Indian-American Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the premier medical research institution in the United States. Bhattacharya, a professor at Stanford University and a prominent critic of COVID-19 lockdowns, will work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary.
In his announcement, Trump praised Bhattacharya’s qualifications, stating that he would help restore the NIH to a “Gold Standard of Medical Research” while addressing major health challenges facing the nation, including chronic illnesses. Bhattacharya expressed his gratitude for the nomination, emphasizing his commitment to reforming American scientific institutions and enhancing trust in public health policies.
Bhattacharya gained national attention as a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration in 2020, which advocated for lifting lockdowns for low-risk individuals while protecting vulnerable populations. His views have sparked significant debate within the public health community, with critics arguing that his approach could have harmful consequences.
This nomination marks a significant milestone as Bhattacharya becomes the first Indian-American selected by Trump for a high-level administrative position. His appointment is expected to require Senate confirmation, alongside other key health appointments announced by Trump.
