Skip to Main Content

WASHINGTON — President Trump on Friday announced his intent to nominate Dr. Stephen Hahn to lead the Food and Drug Administration.

Hahn, an oncologist, is the chief medical executive at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. While he is an accomplished physician and researcher, he has never worked in government — leaving his potential FDA agenda a mystery.

advertisement

Health secretary Alex Azar also announced Friday that Dr. Brett Giroir, the assistant secretary for health, would helm the FDA on an acting basis while the Senate considers Hahn’s nomination. The appointment elevates a longtime Azar ally, giving the Trump administration’s socially conservative wing a powerful, if temporary, platform atop a semi-independent agency.

Unlock this article by subscribing to STAT+ and enjoy your first 30 days free!

GET STARTED

Comments are closed.