TL/DR –
A report from Public Citizen criticizes Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary, Jim O’Neill, suggesting that he is unfit for the role due to his extremist views on deregulating healthcare agencies. The report argues that O’Neill’s ideas could lead to dangerous outcomes, notably his suggestion that the FDA should approve pharmaceuticals based on safety alone, rather than their efficacy. Lisa Gilbert, Co-President of Public Citizen, urged the Senate to reject both O’Neill and another nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, stating the need for a Department of Health and Human Services guided by science, truth, and commitment to public health.
Senate to Review Trump’s Controversial Health and Human Services Nominee
Weeks before the US Senate votes on Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees, a new report from Public Citizen criticizes one of his selections. Jim O’Neill, nominated for U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Secretary, is under significant scrutiny. If accepted, O’Neill would work under another contentious nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
O’Neill’s controversial views and career background, according to the report, make him unsuitable for the role. His radical opinions on healthcare deregulation could potentially result in dangerous or even fatal consequences. For instance, O’Neill proposed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should grant pharmaceutical marketing approvals based solely on safety, discounting efficacy. Such a view could regress drug approvals by a century, demonstrating a lack of understanding of the symbiotic relationship between safety and efficacy. From 2012 to 2019, O’Neill managed investment funds alongside Peter Thiel.
Public Citizen Co-President Lisa Gilbert has urged the Senate to refuse O’Neill and RFK Jr. for their nominated HHS positions.
Gilbert noted, “Jim O’Neill’s extremist libertarian views directly oppose basic public health mandates and could lead to disastrous policy implementation. He is woefully unfit for the Department of Health and Human Services deputy role. The Department of Health and Human Services should be guided by science, truth, and a commitment to public health, not an extremist ideology.”
—
Read More Health & Wellness News ; US News