**Pharmaceutical Industry Faces Challenges with Trump's Health Nominees**

The pharmaceutical industry, which anticipated a second Trump administration would bolster their interests, is now facing potential conflicts with some of President-elect Donald Trump's health policy picks. These proposed nominees are raising concerns among drug company executives due to their skeptical views on vaccines and regulatory tendencies that could affect the industry.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a noted vaccine skeptic without a background in medicine or public health, has been nominated for the position of health secretary. Kennedy has a history of criticizing drug companies, alleging they are responsible for the "mass poisoning" of Americans. This nomination has stirred unease among pharmaceutical companies that hoped for more industry-friendly appointments.

Adding to this apprehension, Dr. Dave Weldon has been chosen to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weldon, a former congressman from Florida, has previously expressed doubts about the safety of vaccines and advocated for transferring most vaccine safety research away from the CDC. His appointment signals a potential shift in the agency’s approach to vaccine oversight, which may not align with the interests of the pharmaceutical sector.

Furthermore, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the former television host known for his limited experience in managing large bureaucracies, has been tapped to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS administers healthcare programs for over 150 million Americans, and Dr. Oz's selection introduces uncertainty regarding his capability to effectively manage such a vast organization.

During Trump's first term, pharmaceutical executives were supportive of his health policy appointees, who had strong connections to the moderate wing of the Republican Party and extensive experience within the drug industry. This new slate of candidates, however, represents a stark departure, potentially marking the beginning of a contentious era for the relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and federal health regulatory bodies.