Dr. Mehmet Oz Sworn In as CMS Administrator Amid Medicaid Cut Concerns

Dr. Mehmet Oz, the former TV personality and 2022 Senate candidate, was sworn in as the new administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), with President Trump presiding over the ceremony and promising there will be 'no cuts' to Medicare or Medicaid. The appointment comes amid concerns from Democrats and health care advocates over potential Republican-led budget cuts targeting Medicaid, but both Trump and Oz emphasized their focus on strengthening rather than cutting these programs. Oz outlined his priorities, including combating fraud, waste, and abuse, modernizing the health care system, and reducing chronic disease, while also acknowledging the significant budgetary impact of Medicaid on states and the need to address rising health care costs. He highlighted issues such as medical errors—the third leading cause of death—and the decline in U.S. life expectancy. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. performed the swearing-in, further underscoring the administration's commitment to the 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) agenda. The Senate confirmed Oz with a 53-45 vote, reflecting partisan divisions over his appointment and potential policy direction.