President-elect Donald Trump has selected a diverse team to lead federal health agencies in his second administration. This team includes a retired congressman, a surgeon, and a former talk-show host, who could significantly shape the future landscape of American health policies. Those chosen lack experience in managing large bureaucratic institutions but are adept at discussing health-related issues on television.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer and outspoken anti-vaccine advocate, is set to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Mehmet Oz, a known wellness influencer who hosted a talk show for 13 years, has been picked to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. For the Food and Drug Administration, Trump has chosen Dr. Marty Makary, while Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a frequent Fox News contributor, is to become the surgeon general.

Many of these appointees were vocal critics of COVID-19 measures, such as masking and booster vaccines for younger individuals. Dave Weldon, chosen for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has notable ties to Florida, having represented the state in Congress for 14 years. Nesheiwat also has a family connection in Florida politics, with her brother-in-law, Rep. Mike Waltz, being selected as Trump's national security adviser.

Kennedy's primary goal is to "reorganize" federal health agencies, which collectively have a budget of $1.7 trillion and employ around 80,000 professionals. Specifically, the CDC, with its $9.2 billion core budget, has been a target of Kennedy's criticism, particularly regarding its vaccine policies. He has argued that no vaccine is safe, despite overwhelming global evidence supporting the life-saving impact of vaccines.

Weldon, a former Army doctor and internal medicine physician, has supported Kennedy in past vaccine-related debates. He co-founded the Congressional Autism Caucus and sought to ban thimerosal in all vaccines, aligning with Kennedy's claims about the preservative. Despite multiple studies debunking any link between thimerosal and autism, Weldon’s congressional record suggests he may support efforts to downsize the CDC.

Kennedy and Makary share similar views on the FDA, which employs 18,000 people and monitors the safety and efficacy of medical products, among other responsibilities. Makary has criticized the overuse of prescription drugs, the presence of pesticides in food, and the significant influence of pharmaceutical and insurance companies over healthcare policies.

In summary, Trump's nominees are set to bring significant changes to federal health agencies, shifting priorities in health care, food safety, and medical research, potentially redefining the government's role in safeguarding American health.