STAT+: Trump expected to pick White House adviser Heidi Overton to lead FDA

Daniel covers the intersection of the health industry and the federal government. He reports on corporate influence in government, the health consequences of federal policies, and the politics of health care. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at danielp.100.President Trump is expected to nominate Heidi Overton, deputy director of domestic policy for the White House, to serve as the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, according to a person familiar with the matter. Overton, who has been a powerful health policy voice in Trump’s second term and, at times, frustrated leaders of the Make America Healthy Again movement, will have to face scrutiny from a Senate panel before getting the job, should Trump choose her. Overton joined the White House at the start of Trump’s term and has led health policy ever since, working closely with the Health and Human Services department. She has helped oversee signature health policy efforts, including the administration’s push to redesign the food pyramid, overhaul the childhood vaccine schedule, and work out pricing deals with pharmaceutical companies. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe