**Trump Announces Key Appointments: Dr. Oz and Howard Lutnick Tapped for Prominent Roles**

In a significant move, President-elect Donald Trump has selected Dr. Mehmet Oz, a renowned heart surgeon and former television talk show host, to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This agency plays a pivotal role in overseeing health insurance programs for millions of older, poorer, and disabled Americans. Additionally, Trump has chosen Wall Street executive Howard Lutnick to lead the Commerce Department, rounding out his Cabinet picks.

Trump praised Dr. Oz as a proactive leader who will focus on disease prevention and reducing waste within one of the government's most costly agencies. "Dr. Oz will be a leader in incentivizing Disease Prevention, so we get the best results in the World for every dollar we spend on Healthcare in our Great Country," Trump remarked in his statement.

Dr. Oz, who previously ran an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022, has been a vocal supporter of Trump's policies. If confirmed, Oz will assume responsibility for pivotal programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act. These programs collectively provide health insurance to more than half of the U.S. population, covering a vast demographic from children and low-income adults to older and disabled Americans.

In parallel, businessman Howard Lutnick has been picked for the Commerce Department. Trump's selection of Lutnick, who heads Cantor Fitzgerald and is a well-known cryptocurrency enthusiast, underscores a strong emphasis on aggressive trade policies. Lutnick will be essential in advancing Trump's stringent tariff plans, which include substantial tariffs on imports from China and other countries. "Tariffs are an amazing tool for the president to use - we need to protect the American worker," Lutnick previously stated.

Lutnick's extensive background in finance and close connections to corporate leaders will be critical in managing a broad-ranging department tasked with economic development, trade oversight, and ensuring accurate dissemination of economic data. His recent statements and advocacy for tariffs aim to reprioritize the American workforce in global trade dynamics.

This strategic announcement was made through Trump's social media platform, Truth Social, highlighting the importance Trump places on these appointments within his administration. Both Dr. Oz and Lutnick are now awaiting Senate confirmation to officially begin their roles, carrying significant influence on America's health and economic policies moving forward.