President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon and former television personality, to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The agency oversees health programs that provide coverage to over 155 million Americans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act marketplaces.
In a statement, Trump praised Dr. Oz, 64, for his potential to lead a “disease prevention revolution” and tackle waste and fraud in what he called “the most expensive government agency.” The appointment aligns with Trump’s broader healthcare agenda, which includes potential reforms to the Affordable Care Act and an expansion of privatized Medicare Advantage plans.
Dr. Oz’s Muslim background also makes his appointment noteworthy. Born to Turkish immigrant parents, he is a dual U.S.-Turkish citizen and has expressed pride in his heritage. He would not be the first Muslim to serve in a U.S. Cabinet-related position, an example of Trump’s love and acceptance of Muslim Americans. Trump enjoyed a wide in Michigan where he campaigned hard among Arab-American votes.
Dr. Oz rose to fame as the host of The Dr. Oz Show after frequent appearances on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show.
The nomination has sparked backlash from health experts and lawmakers. Democratic Senator Patty Murray called Dr. Oz “unqualified,” while Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert, criticized the appointment as a “middle finger to science.” Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers, including Senator Mike Crapo, expressed cautious optimism, highlighting Oz’s support for empowering patients with greater choice in their healthcare decisions.
If confirmed, Dr. Oz will oversee a $1.5 trillion agency responsible for programs vital to millions of Americans, amid growing debates over the future of public and private healthcare in the United States.
