Trump Picks New Head of Food and Drug Agency

US President Donald Trump has nominated political adviser and physician Heidi Overton to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Overton, who serves as deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, would replace Marty Makary, who resigned as FDA commissioner in May after 13 months in the role.

Her nomination is subject to confirmation by the US Senate. Trump praised Overton on social media for her ability to tackle difficult issues and said she would push his America First policies at the agency.

Before joining the White House, Overton worked at the America First Policy Institute, a conservative think tank. Her nomination comes as Trump administration health officials seek to take action on several controversial issues, including autism, vaccines and the abortion pill.

(Reuters, max)