Heidi Overton, President Trump's FDA nominee, testified that vaccines and mifepristone meet safety standards, distancing herself from the president's previous claims.
Key facts
- •Heidi Overton stated that every vaccine currently on the U.S. market is safe and effective according to the FDA.
- •Overton testified that she has seen no evidence linking the use of Tylenol during pregnancy to autism.
- •The U.S. is currently recording its highest number of measles cases since 1991.
- •Overton pledged to prioritize speeding up drug development to maintain U.S. leadership in biotechnology.
- •When asked if the president could be wrong, Overton declined to answer directly, noting that he sets policy directions.
During a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, September 24, 2026, FDA nominee Heidi Overton testified that the MMR vaccine and other CDC-recommended vaccines are safe and effective. Overton, a physician and current White House health aide, also affirmed that the abortion medication mifepristone meets FDA safety and efficacy standards. Her testimony contrasts with previous statements made by President Donald Trump regarding vaccine safety.
Vaccine Safety and Policy
Overton addressed the MMR vaccine, describing it as the best tool for managing current measles outbreaks, which have been linked to at least four deaths in the U.S. She noted that no drug company currently produces separate measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines, and that developing such options would take years. Her testimony followed an August executive order signed by President Trump, which she attended, that aimed to alter childhood vaccine schedules and included claims by the president that the MMR vaccine could be lethal.
Senate Confirmation Questions
Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate health committee, questioned Overton regarding her involvement in the August executive order, which he previously labeled as nearly disqualifying. When asked by Senator Bernie Sanders if she would stand up to the president, Overton did not answer directly, stating she provides the president with her best advice. Senator Susan Collins also challenged Overton regarding the FDA's recent authorization of flavored nicotine products, citing data that nearly 90% of young e-cigarette users prefer flavored options.
Timeline
- 1991The U.S. recorded a lower number of measles cases than the current surge.
- August 2026President Trump signed an executive order regarding childhood vaccine schedules.
- September 24, 2026Heidi Overton appeared before the Senate for her confirmation hearing.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Scientific American, The Guardian Health.
