Trump Picks White House Aide Heidi Overton to Run FDA
President Trump has named White House policy adviser Heidi Overton as the new FDA commissioner, succeeding the previous chief who resigned.
President Donald Trump has appointed Heidi Overton, a White House policy adviser, to lead the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The announcement was made on Wednesday, filling a vacancy that has persisted for several months since the agency's previous commissioner stepped down.
In a statement posted online, the President said Overton would advance his "America First" agenda at the FDA, which oversees the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and the nation's food supply.
Overton's selection signals a continuation of the administration's focus on reshaping federal regulatory agencies. Her background is in policy work within the White House, though specific details of her professional history were not provided in the announcement.
The FDA has been without a permanent leader since the departure of its former chief, and Overton's nomination now moves to the Senate for confirmation. The appointment is expected to draw scrutiny from lawmakers and public health experts over her regulatory philosophy and qualifications for the high-stakes role.