Jay Bhattacharya Nominated to Lead NIH

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford University health economist and co-author of the controversial Great Barrington Declaration, to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bhattacharya, who has been a vocal critic of COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccine mandates, will work alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's choice for the Department of Health and Human Services, to enhance the nation's medical research and address chronic health issues. Trump praised Bhattacharya's extensive credentials and emphasized his commitment to restoring the NIH as a leader in medical research. The Great Barrington Declaration, which advocated for herd immunity over lockdowns, has remained contentious within the public health community. Bhattacharya's nomination reflects ongoing political divisions regarding pandemic responses and public health strategies. His appointment will require Senate confirmation.