NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsAugust 19, 2026Hillsborough
President Trump nominates White House adviser Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the FDA
President Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Heidi Overton, currently a deputy director at the White House Domestic Policy Council, to serve as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. This nomination follows the resignation of Dr. Marty Makary, who served as the agency's first commissioner under the current administration.
Read the full story at ABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsWhy It Matters
The oversees the regulation of food, drugs, and medical devices in the United States, and this appointment will shape federal policy on drug pricing, clinical trial standards, and vaccine recommendations.
Key Facts
- President Trump nominated Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the FDA.
- Dr. Overton currently serves as deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council.
- Dr. Overton previously worked at the America First Policy Institute.
- Dr. Overton is board-certified in public health and preventive medicine.
- The nomination follows the resignation of Dr. Marty Makary three months prior.
- President Trump stated the nominee will work with Secretary Kennedy and Dr. Oz on drug pricing, clinical trial reforms, and innovation.
- Dr. Overton has publicly expressed opposition to vaccine mandates.
- Dr. Overton has expressed support for changes to the recommended vaccine schedule for infants.
- Dr. Overton has stated opposition to abortion rights.
Who's Mentioned
organizationWhite House Domestic Policy Council“Current employer of Dr. Overton”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”organizationFood and Drug Administration“Federal regulatory agency”personHeidi Overton“Nominee for FDA Commissioner”personMehmet Oz“Associated with administration health priorities”personRobert F. Kennedy Jr.“Secretary of Health and Human Services”organizationAmerica First Policy Institute“Think tank where Dr. Overton previously worked”personMarty Makary“Former FDA Commissioner”