General U.S. NewsSep 16, 2026·2 min read

Senators question Trump's picks for top health positions, including surgeon general

NPR – Health

2d ago

Senators question Trump's picks for top health positions, including surgeon general

Summary

Dr. Nicole Saphier, Trump's nominee for surgeon general. The Senate committee on health meets this morning to consider three of the Trump administration's picks for top jobs at the Department of Health and Human Services, including deputy secretary and surgeon general. After a last-minute cancellation of her first confirmation hearing because she went into labor, and a contentious hearing in February, support for her nomination fell apart and the committee never voted. If Tuesday's confirmation hearing in the Senate Finance Committee is any indication, senators will grill Klomp on measles, abortion medication, drug prices, and vaccines. Kennedy Jr., whose relationship with Congress, and with this committee in particular, is strained. America has not had a surgeon general since President Biden left office in January 2025 — Trump has not been able to get a nominee through the senate this term. In an op-ed last spring, Saphier criticized Kennedy's decision to look for the root cause of rising autism diagnoses by hiring anti-vaccine activist David Geier . The man nominated for that job is Chris Klomp. SAMHSA has had massive staff cuts since Kennedy took over as secretary, and his restructuring plan — which is currently on ICE (immigration enforcement agency) after legal challenges — would have eliminated the agency.

From the source

On Wednesday, the Senate committee on health holds a confirmation hearing for three top health officials, including surgeon general. Dr. Nicole Saphier is President Trump's third attempt to nominate a surgeon general. (Image credit: John Lamparski)

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