Trump’s pick to lead FDA health agency grilled by Senate

The nominee for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) leadership position, Heidi Overton, a White House adviser, testified before the US Senate on Thursday. The hearing was marked by scrutiny over the nominee's stance on various health policies, particularly those concerning vaccines since President Donald Trump assumed office last year.

Overton, who was present in the Oval Office when Trump signed an executive order advocating for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to be administered in three separate shots, affirmed on Thursday that the MMR vaccine is currently FDA-approved and deemed safe and effective. The US is currently grappling with its most severe measles outbreak in decades, resulting in four deaths this year in Pennsylvania due to this vaccine-preventable disease.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican doctor, questioned Overton about the existence of any unsafe vaccines on the US market. FDA's response was that all vaccines available in the US are safe and effective. Overton, however, did not explicitly state whether she disagreed with Trump's recent comments on vaccines or promised to oppose presidential orders that clash with public health. She did express her intention to provide the president with her best advice.

During the hearing, Overton was also questioned on her perspectives regarding the abortion pill, which she has previously labeled as dangerous for women, and food safety, which falls under the FDA's jurisdiction. At 37, Overton would assume the role of the youngest FDA administrator if her Senate confirmation were to be approved.

Since Trump's inauguration, the FDA has been experiencing significant turbulence, including substantial staff reductions, disputes over policy shifts, and the departure of several high-ranking officials.