US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American scientist Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bhattacharya is a professor at Stanford and has been a prominent COVID-19 policy critic. The NIH is responsible for researching emerging health threats and chronic diseases, a budget of more than $47 billion has been allocated to the institute. Bhattacharya came into the limelight during the pandemic for his criticism of COVID policies. He also became famous for co-authorship of the Great Barrington Declaration which recommended a targeted protection approach.
Bhattacharya’s appointment showcases Trump’s goal to reform health agencies. The focus of NIH will also be under the Health and Human Services nominee Robert F Kennedy Jr, who has promised to make major restructuring and even changing of staff. Let’s have a look at other key appointments by Trump ahead of his presidency.
Trump’s Key Appointments:
Kevin Hassett
Kevin Hasset will be returning as chairperson of the National Economic Council, the role he already served during Trump’s first tenure. Hasset is known for his expertise in Economics and has been assigned the work to shape economic and international strategies.
John Phelan
John Phelan has been picked as the Navy Secretary. He is also a co-founder of MSD Capital. Phelan will be in charge of strengthening naval capabilities.
Jamieson Greer
Trump has appointed trade lawyer Jameson Greer as the new US Trade Representative. Greer is a veteran of Trump’s first trade policies. He will be driving a tariff agenda with a main focus on handling trade deficits and reinforcing American industries.
Vince Halley
Vince Haley’s name has been declared for leading the Domestic Policy Council. He will be giving preference to Trump’s domestic priorities.
(With inputs from Reuters)