WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 22: U.S. Director of the National Institutes of Health Jay Bhattacharya, joined by (L-R) Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. K …
ATLANTA - The National Institutes of Health director is reportedly taking on a second high-profile position, filling a leadership void at the nation’s top public health agency.
What we know:
According to the New York Times, Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has been tapped to temporarily lead the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as acting director, in addition to his responsibilities as NIH director. The Times cited a source who spoke on the condition of anonymity, as President Donald Trump has not publicly announced the change.
Dr. Bhattacharya is a former Stanford University professor and health economist who notably criticized COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns and vaccine policies.
The backstory:
The CDC has undergone turbulent leadership changes during Trump’s second term, with former director Susan Monarez the latest to be ousted just a month after assuming the role.
Monarez testified before a Senate committee that she was fired for refusing to approve changes to the childhood vaccination schedule without evidence to support them.
Dr. Bhattacharya will replace Jim O’Neill, a former investor, who has been serving as the acting director in the interim.
What's next:
The Senate must confirm a new CDC director before a permanent replacement can be made.
What we don't know:
The Trump administration has not confirmed the change.
RELATED:
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- Ex-CDC director says refusal led to firing, set to testify Wednesday
- New CDC Director confirmed in first ever Senate vote
The Source: Information in this report comes from The New York Times and prior FOX 5 reporting. The Associated Press contributed to this report.