Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), chair of the Senate Health Committee, publicly challenged President Trump's pick to lead the Food and Drug Administration, arguing that Dr. Heidi Overton's participation in the administration's recent vaccine directive is nearly enough to sink her confirmation.
In a social media post on Wednesday, Cassidy, a physician himself, acknowledged Overton's clinical background but voiced serious doubts about her readiness to run the agency. "While I respect Dr. Overton's experience as a physician, I have strong concerns about her nomination to be FDA Commissioner," he wrote.
The Louisiana Republican, who lost his reelection bid to a Trump-backed challenger, pointed to Overton's support for the Make America Healthy Again movement led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She stood beside the president when he signed the executive order on Aug. 10 that seeks to reduce and separate childhood vaccine schedules.
Cassidy argued that Overton's lack of managerial experience leaves her ill-equipped to lead an organization already grappling with staffing shortages and low morale. He also suggested her hands-on involvement in what he called a "nonsensical" vaccine order raises questions about her dedication to evidence-based policy.
"Her lack of managerial experience does not prepare her well for leading a large organization that is already dealing with staffing and morale issues," Cassidy wrote. "Additionally, Dr. Overton's active role in last week's nonsensical vaccine executive order calls into question her commitment to standing up for sound science and protecting children's health."
He added: "That alone is almost disqualifying."
Trump announced Overton's nomination in a Truth Social post on Wednesday, filling the vacancy left by Marty Makary, who resigned three months ago. Overton currently serves as a top White House domestic policy adviser on health issues. Before that, she was vice chair and chief policy officer at the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank founded by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
In his announcement, Trump praised Overton's leadership potential, writing that "We need her leadership at the FDA now to ensure that the U.S. remains the WORLD LEADER for Scientific Discovery and CURES." The nomination comes amid broader turmoil at the agency, including recent leadership changes and ongoing debates over vaccine policy. Cassidy's committee will oversee Overton's confirmation hearing, where her views on vaccines and regulatory approach are expected to face intense scrutiny.
The dispute highlights a growing rift within the Republican Party over public health policy, with some conservatives backing Kennedy's overhaul efforts while others, like Cassidy, warn against undermining established vaccine protocols. The Senate Health Committee has yet to schedule a hearing for Overton.
