**Gottlieb Expresses Concerns Over RFK Jr.'s HHS Nomination**

During a recent television appearance, former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb voiced his apprehensions about President-elect Trump's nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Gottlieb pointed out that skepticism within the Republican caucus about Kennedy's nomination is more widespread than reported.

Speaking on CNBC, Gottlieb confirmed he had discussed his concerns with individual senators and plans to continue raising these issues. Moderate Republicans have yet to declare their stance on Kennedy's confirmation. Given the Republican majority in the Senate, Kennedy would need to lose four Republican votes without gaining any Democratic support to see his nomination fail.

Gottlieb outlined several potential obstacles for Kennedy's nomination, citing his controversial stance on the U.S. food industry, his support of abortion rights, and his skepticism towards childhood vaccines. These positions could alienate senators with significant agricultural interests, anti-abortion lawmakers, and those focused on public health.

The former FDA Commissioner was doubtful about Congress's ability to impose conditions on funding for HHS to limit Kennedy's actions. In his view, legislative delays hinder efforts to pass comprehensive government spending bills, making such measures ineffective.

Gottlieb further hinted at a possible conflict between Kennedy's views on childhood vaccines and those of President-elect Trump. He noted the potential public health risks, such as resurgences of measles and whooping cough, and even polio if Kennedy's intentions are realized. He expressed concerns about Kennedy's capacity to disband and restructure a CDC vaccine advisory committee with individuals who share his anti-vaccine stance and to disrupt funding for the Vaccines for Children program.

Additionally, Gottlieb criticized Trump's choice of David Weldon to lead the CDC, labeling him as a committed anti-vaxxer. For the first time, this position requires Senate confirmation due to a recent legislative change.

The ongoing tension between Gottlieb and Trump's administration picks was underscored by Calley Means, an adviser to Kennedy. Means accused Gottlieb of undermining Trump's reform agenda and showing disloyalty. Means took to social media to criticize Gottlieb's transition from the FDA to the Pfizer board, suggesting it damaged public trust in health officials.

Gottlieb is not alone among former Trump administration officials in expressing concerns. Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams has recently highlighted rising cases of whooping cough and global measles deaths as points of concern.

Kennedy and his advisers advocate for a shift in federal focus towards chronic diseases rather than infectious diseases, further fueling the debate surrounding his nomination.