Trump plans to appoint Heidi Overton FDA chief

Politics

Trump plans to appoint Heidi Overton FDA chief

9 sourcesUpdated Aug 19, 2026

President Trump has nominated White House policy aide Heidi Overton, currently deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, to lead the Food and Drug Administration. Bloomberg News first reported the nomination, with Reuters and other outlets noting they could not immediately verify the report. Overton brings a background as a medical doctor with a Johns Hopkins doctorate and experience at the America First Policy Institute, plus prior White House work on health issues. The move follows a turbulent year at the FDA, highlighted by high-profile staff departures and industry concerns about drug development. The White House’s selection signals Trump’s ongoing influence over key regulatory appointments. Some reports also noted Overton’s involvement in health policy actions, including a recent Oval Office signing related to childhood vaccines policy.

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Last updatedAug 19, 2026

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Broke news.bloomberglaw.com · Aug 19, 12:11 AMLeft within the hour9 sources +1h on

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CNNLean LeftTrump expected to pick Dr. Heidi Overton to lead FDA

endpoints.newsOtherTrump to pick Heidi Overton to lead the FDA following a run of volatile leadership

devdiscourse.comOtherHeidi Overton Appointed as New FDA Chief by President Trump

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