Among the positions being targeted are the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other key agencies, sources familiar with the discussions revealed.

One of the frontrunners is Joseph Ladapo, Florida’s top health official known for questioning the safety of Covid vaccines and resisting standard public health measures. Ladapo is being considered for roles such as CDC director, surgeon general, or assistant secretary for health under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been nominated to run the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Additionally, wellness influencer and former surgeon Casey Means is a top contender for surgeon general or HHS assistant secretary for health. Her brother Calley Means, a former food industry lobbyist, is also under discussion to potentially serve as Kennedy's chief of staff. Both Casey and Calley Means are closely aligned with Kennedy's “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, which seeks to overhaul health and food policies.

On the list for FDA commissioner is Johns Hopkins surgeon Marty Makary, who has advocated for significant changes in the FDA's structure and leadership. Meanwhile, Stanford physician and economist Jay Bhattacharya is a leading candidate for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), having previously voiced the need for major reforms within the health department.

Vinay Prasad, known for his criticism of key aspects of the pandemic response, is another candidate being considered for surgeon general. While Bhattacharya’s candidacy for NIH was first reported by The Washington Post, discussions around other nominees remain fluid.

Several former Trump officials are also in the mix for return roles. Paul Mango, who served as HHS deputy chief of staff during Trump's first term, is being considered for the head of Medicare and Medicaid services, or for a position as HHS deputy secretary. Joe Grogan, a former top domestic policy adviser to Trump, is on the shortlist for HHS deputy secretary as well.

Former CDC Director Robert Redfield, who played a pivotal role in developing the Covid vaccines under Operation Warp Speed, is also being considered for either a return to his old role or as Kennedy's assistant secretary for health. Redfield has publicly supported Kennedy amidst widespread criticism of his anti-vaccine rhetoric.

The transition team’s prospective list emerged from recent discussions at Mar-a-Lago and includes a blend of Trump's advisers and Kennedy loyalists. The internal debate reflects Trump's strategy of granting significant influence to Kennedy to reshape the nation’s health policies.

However, some public health experts and even Trump allies worry about the feasibility of these controversial figures achieving Senate confirmation. With the team prioritizing vocal critics of mainstream public health policies, the appointment process is expected to be contentious.