### Trump Nominates COVID-19 Lockdown Critic for NIH Director

President-elect Donald Trump has announced his pick for the next director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH): Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a professor of health policy at Stanford University known for his opposition to COVID-19 lockdown measures.

Trump made the announcement in a statement, emphasizing the collaboration between Bhattacharya and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., his recent choice for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. According to Trump, this team aims to restore the NIH to a premier level of medical research excellence.

"Together, Jay and RFK Jr. will restore the NIH to a Gold Standard of Medical Research as they examine the underlying causes of, and solutions to, America's biggest Health challenges, including our Crisis of Chronic Illness and Disease," Trump stated. The goal, he added, is to "Make America Healthy Again!"

Dr. Bhattacharya made headlines during the pandemic for his vocal criticism of lockdown policies, positioning him as a controversial but influential figure in public health discussions. His nomination signals a significant shift in the leadership and potentially the direction of the NIH.

In addition to Dr. Bhattacharya's nomination, Trump has selected Jim O'Neil for the role of deputy secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. O'Neil's mandate will include overseeing operations and enhancing management, transparency, and accountability within the department.

These nominations reflect Trump's broader strategy to reshape the nation's health policy leadership as he prepares for office.