Trump nominated Heidi Overton in August 2026 to lead the FDA after Marty Makary’s May resignation, positioning the White House domestic policy aide to oversee an agency facing staffing losses and morale challenges. Her late-September Senate HELP Committee hearing highlighted questions over managerial experience, her role in vaccine schedule adjustments, and positions on mifepristone and other products, with Chair Bill Cassidy citing reservations that could affect committee advancement. Republicans hold a narrow Senate majority, requiring unified support for confirmation, while Democrats have signaled opposition. The process now awaits a committee vote and floor action, with any delays or shifts in key Republican backing likely to influence trader assessments of confirmation odds.