Trump’s August 2026 nomination of White House aide Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the FDA followed the May resignation of Commissioner Marty Makary, leaving Kyle Diamantas as acting head. Her September 24 Senate HELP Committee hearing highlighted Chairman Bill Cassidy’s concerns over her limited managerial experience and role in an executive order altering the childhood vaccine schedule. Overton testified that approved vaccines including MMR and the drug mifepristone remain safe and effective as labeled. The committee has yet to vote on advancing the nomination to the full Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. Any confirmation requires both committee approval and a floor vote amid Democratic opposition and questions about agency independence on policy issues.