What's happened
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated several controversial figures for key health positions, including Jay Bhattacharya for NIH director and Doug Collins for VA secretary. These nominations face potential Senate opposition, particularly from moderate Republicans concerned about their past statements and qualifications.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Eric Garcia in The Independent, Trump's nomination of Jay Bhattacharya, known for opposing lockdown measures, raises concerns about the direction of the NIH. Axios highlights that while some Democrats may support certain nominees, others, like Duckworth, remain critical of candidates like Pete Hegseth, citing a lack of experience. The contrasting views illustrate the complex dynamics at play as Trump's nominees face scrutiny from both sides of the aisle.
How we got here
Trump's nominations come as he seeks to fill key health positions following his election victory. His choices have raised eyebrows due to their controversial views on public health and vaccines, which may complicate their confirmation in a closely divided Senate.
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